Board approves consent agenda including $34,287.50 donation and two retirements

The Rye City School District Board of Education voted to approve the Jan. 27 consent agenda unanimously among members present (6–0, one absent). Board President called for the motion, which was seconded by Matt Chibanoff, and members approved the package after brief clarifying discussion about the calendar and related operational items.

Items highlighted during the consent discussion included a donation of $34,287.50 described in the meeting as intended to support ice‑rental expenses for the 2526 ice‑hockey season. The board also accepted the retirements of Doreen Klein, a speech and language therapist at Rye Middle School, and Dr. Dan Brown, a longtime district music teacher. Dr. Brown, who joined the district in 1989 and has served more than 35 years, was praised for his leadership of the jazz band and contributions to the district’s music programs.

Erin Friedenberg, Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Personnel Services, expressed gratitude for Ms. Klein’s service. Andrew Hara, Rye High School principal, commended Dr. Brown’s decades of influence on students.

The board did not take separate roll‑call votes on each item; the consent agenda was adopted as a single package. The administration indicated it will present more detailed budget materials at the district’s Feb. 10 meeting.