Rye board holds public hearing on proposed $113.2 million 2025–26 budget; vote set for May 20

The Rye City School District on Tuesday held a public hearing on the proposed 2025–26 budget, which Superintendent Dr. Byrne said “maintains all current programs and services” and is “a fully tax cap compliant budget.” The public vote is scheduled for May 20 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Rye Middle School.

Why it matters: The proposed budget would raise total spending by 2.45% to $113,200,000 and, according to district figures presented at the hearing, relies primarily on local property taxes. The proposal funds staff additions, security and facilities projects, and program changes the district says are intended to preserve class sizes and student supports.

Most important details: Dr. Byrne told the board and audience the proposed budget shows a budget-to-budget increase of 2.45%, with the current budget stated as $110,500,000 and the proposed budget of $113,200,000. The district lists the principal revenue components as approximately $102,300,000 from local property taxes, about $3,300,000 in state funding and the planned use of $2,700,000 in fund balance. Dr. Byrne summarized those figures and the district's estimate for assessed value, saying the estimated taxable assessment is $133,403,000 and that the estimated tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value will be updated when the tax warrant is issued on July 1.

Support from parent and community groups: Three members of the public spoke in support of the budget during the hearing. Sharon Mantel, speaking for the Osborne, Midland and Milton PTOs, said parents appreciated that the budget is tax‑cap compliant and highlighted planned security upgrades and a roof replacement at Osborne. Rhonda Gilroy, co‑president of the Rye Fund for Education, told trustees the budget “maintains all programs” and supports grant partnerships and instructional programs the fund supplements. Sarah Dugokenski, speaking as a RAISE co‑president, said the budget “is tax cap compliant and fiscally responsible” and emphasized inclusion and small class size.

Program and capital items listed by the superintendent include two additional high school teachers to support a new International Baccalaureate program, a districtwide director of school counseling and student wellness, one reduction in a secondary physical education teacher (the district said two PE teachers are retiring and only one position will be refilled), one additional custodian to support approximately 12,000 square feet of new school additions shared between Midland and Osborne, a full replacement of the Osborne cafeteria roof, phased replacement of aging security cameras, upgrades to handheld radio connectivity in coordination with the Rye Police Department, and SALTO locking and PA lockdown systems in the new wings at Midland and Osborne.

Process and next steps: The district reiterated the schedule: after the budget hearing, the final step is the public vote and trustee election on May 20, 6 a.m.–9 p.m., at Rye Middle School. The hearing closed with the district encouraging community turnout and reminding voters of parking availability.

Less-critical context: During the consent portion of the meeting the board approved a set of routine items by voice vote, including the district’s participation and officer slate for the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association and summer school staffing (motion: Sean Klapfer; second: Valerie Lapham; vote recorded as 5 in favor, 0 opposed; 2 absences). Those consent items were presented separately from the budget hearing.

Looking ahead: The board will not take a budget vote at its meeting tonight; the community vote on May 20 will decide adoption. District staff said the estimated tax rate will be updated with the July 1 tax warrant.