Rye School District Sets New Bond Vote, New Propositions

RYE, NY — After its previous bond referendum went down to defeat by a handful of votes, the Rye City School District has come up with alternatives. At the April 9 Board of Education meeting, the trustees voted to bring a new capital bond referendum for the community to vote on.

The new vote will be held from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 11 in the Rye Middle School Gymnasium at 3 Parsons St.

On March 12, voters turned down a $79.99 million capital bond referendum that was asking for the approval of a 30-year bond that would have funded investment in the district's five buildings, renovated outdated spaces into well-ventilated, secure educational spaces designed to support current best instructional practices, according to the district. The vote was 1,478 against the referendum to 1,468 in favor.

On the ballot in June will be three propositions, Superintendent Eric Byrne and the board said in a letter to the district's parents and guardians posted on its website.

Proposition 1 asks voters to approve a capital bond in the amount of $70.8 million.

Among the 26 projects it will pay for are secure vestibule entrances at all schools, new additions to replace trailers at Osborn/Midland, exterior and interior renovations, heating and ventilation systems, athletic field turf and track replacement and accessibility renovations.

The second proposition, which can only be approved if the first is approved, is for $9.1 million.

It would fund additional projects such as the high school/middle school Performing Arts Center renovation, instructional upgrades and the high school/middle school locker rooms and auxiliary gym air conditioning.

Proposition 3 would establish a capital reserve fund to "create the ability fo the district to dedicate surplus funds to address future facilities and infrastructure needs at no additional cost to taxpayers.

The letter said that there will be additional public information session and school tours scheduled in the near future, and the district's website will be updated with detailed information about the new capital bond proposal.

See the letter sent to the community here.

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