RCSD Community Update: 1/27/23

Dear RCSD Community,

We had another winter weather miss on Wednesday. Not so for some of our northern neighbors who had early dismissals and canceled after-school activities. Sometimes, it pays to be south of the I-287 corridor!

Regents Graduation Requirements

You may have read in the paper or heard on TV that the New York State Board of Regents is looking at graduation requirements (including Regent’s exams) with an eye to making some changes. I am currently sitting on the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures for the State Education Department. The Commission is asking New York State residents to weigh in on what should be required for High School graduation in New York State. Specifically, they are looking to explore:

What opportunities, experiences, and courses should be available to students in High School that align with their needs, dreams, and career exploration? Which of those should be mandatory?

I feel like our parents might have some thoughts to share with State Ed! The link to comment is here: Participate in the discussion via ThoughtExchange. The deadline to respond is February 1. Thank you in advance for making your voices heard -- especially those of you who have had children graduate from RHS in the past.

Capital Project Update

At Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting, we provided an update on the progress of the 2019 capital project. As with so many things, COVID has thrown off both timing and costs related to the project, but we are incredibly proud of the work that has been completed thus far despite these and other hurdles. We are now moving into the design process for the anticipated phases III and IIIA, which include the demolition and replacement of the portable trailers at Osborn and Midland Schools, the renovation of the High School Performing Arts Center, and the RHS/RMS Art, Design and Engineering Center, among other exciting projects. The link to the presentation is here. Watch the video here beginning at 3:20. Our next capital project update will be at the June 20 Board of Education meeting. 

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Eric Byrne, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools