Rye City School Board reviews $113M budget with new programs and tax levy increase

The Rye City School District is poised to enhance educational opportunities for its students following the Board of Education's recent budget proposal, which includes significant investments in staffing and programs. During the meeting on April 8, 2025, the board reviewed a proposed budget of $113,267,267, reflecting a 2.45% increase from the previous year. This budget aims to support the implementation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and bolster social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives across all grade levels.

Key highlights of the budget include the addition of two full-time teachers at Rye High School to facilitate the IB program, as well as the creation of a district-wide director of school counseling and student wellness position. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance counseling services, which have expanded significantly in recent years, now including counselors at all elementary schools.

While the budget does propose a reduction of one physical education teacher due to retirement, it maintains all current programs and services, ensuring no cuts to existing offerings. Additionally, the budget accounts for the maintenance of new facilities at Midland and Osborne, necessitating the hiring of an additional custodial staff member to manage the increased space.

The proposed budget also includes a tax levy increase of 3.66%, which remains compliant with state tax cap regulations. The district anticipates a total tax levy of $102,324,607, with the estimated tax rate set at approximately $7.67 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Community engagement remains a priority, with upcoming opportunities for public input scheduled for May 6 during a budget hearing, followed by the budget vote and trustee election on May 20. The district encourages residents to participate in discussions and share feedback through various channels, ensuring transparency and collaboration as they move forward.

As the board prepares for the final vote, the proposed budget reflects a commitment to providing quality education and support for all students, positioning the district for continued success in the coming academic year.