New Head of Rye Schools Announced, Byrne Recruited from Chappaqua
Rye has chosen its next Superintendent of Schools, as expected.
(PHOTO: Rye's new school boss.)
There is a bit more process, but the selection process is essentially done. Dr. Eric Byrne is expected to join Rye schools from his current position in Chappaqua on or about July 1, 2017. Byrne will replace interim Rye School Superintendent Brian D. Monahan.
Monahan took the temporary spot after Frank Alvarez ended his contract early last summer.
The final step of Dr. Byrne’s transition to appointment as Superintendent of Schools is a site visit by members of the Board of Education to his current district to meet with colleagues and members of the school community. The Board expects to take formal action to appoint Dr. Byrne at the next Board of Education meeting on February 28.
Rye citizens are invited to join the Board of Education for a reception to welcome Dr. Byrne to Rye at the March 7th Board of Education Meeting.
Here is the formal announcement:
Dr. Eric Byrne is Top Candidate for RCSD Superintendent of Schools
RYE, NY – February 9, 2017 – The Rye City School District Board of Education has narrowed the field of superintendent candidates to one finalist, Eric Byrne. Dr. Byrne has 23 years of experience in public education. Currently, he is the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in Chappaqua, a role he has served in for six years. Prior to becoming Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Byrne was the Principal at Chappaqua’s Roaring Brook Elementary School for four years. He began his career in education as a science teacher in New York City. He received a Doctorate and a Master’s degree in Education from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Natural Science, also from Fordham.
The Board of Education began the superintendent search in September, 2016, when it engaged the services of executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) to assist in recruiting candidates. The HYA team spent considerable time in Rye holding focus groups and conducting interviews with a wide range of stakeholders to identify the most sought-after leadership qualities for the next superintendent. Eighty-five community members, teachers, administrators, parents, union leaders, and students participated. HYA gathered additional feedback from an online survey completed by 209 school and community members.
The most sought-after characteristics identified by the Rye community include: a knowledgeable and visionary educator who is innovative in identifying and implementing initiatives designed to meet the needs of all students; a collaborative and engaging communicator who engenders respect through interactions with faculty, parents and community members; and a leader, approachable and authentic in manner, visible throughout the District, and actively engaged in the community. Many of those surveyed expressed a desire that the candidate make a long-term commitment to the District.
Dr. Byrne emerged as the finalist from a very strong field of candidates. Forty candidates applied or were recruited for consideration. After screenings and interviews, the search consultants presented a slate of six highly qualified candidates to the Board of Education. After comprehensive interviews by the Board, Dr. Byrne was the candidate whose qualifications and characteristics best matched those the Rye community was seeking in a superintendent.
Board President Katy Keohane Glassberg said, “The Board of Education was united in its commitment to find the best candidate. After a rigorous selection process, the choice was clear. Dr. Eric Byrne’s background and experience as a leader in curriculum development and implementation is extraordinary. He is known for building respectful, productive relationships that result in improvements in teaching and learning and he believes in the importance of making operational decisions based on the educational goals of a district.”
The final step of Dr. Byrne’s transition to appointment as Superintendent of Schools is a site visit by members of the Board of Education to his current district to meet with colleagues and members of the school community. The Board expects to take formal action to appoint Dr. Byrne at the next Board of Education meeting on February 28. His service in Rye will begin on or about July 1, 2017.
At the beginning of the superintendent search process, the Board appointed Dr. Brian Monahan as Interim Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Monahan will continue to serve until the end of June and will work closely with Dr. Byrne to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. All are invited to join the Board for a reception to welcome Dr. Byrne to Rye at the March 7 Board of Education Meeting.
