New & Interim Principal for Rye High School Starts Monday
That was quick. In the wake of the quick, mysterious and whispered departure of Rye High School Principal Derek Schuelein, Rye schools boss Eric Byrne announced Wednesday morning he expects the Board of Ed to approve Dr. Martin Fitzgerald as interim Principal of Rye High School starting Monday.
Fitzgerald just retired from 35 years in education this past June. Most recently he served Principal of Robert E. Bell Middle School in Chappaqua, where he worked for over 22 years.
The announcement follows.
Date: Wed, Mar 31, 2021 at 10:00 AM
Subject: RHS Interim Announcement
To: Rye City School District Recipients
Dear Rye High School Community,
I hope you are enjoying spring break and getting some much-needed downtime. I am writing to provide an update on our RHS Interim Principal search. I have recommended that the Board of Education appoint Dr. Martin Fitzgerald as interim Principal of Rye High School, effective Monday, April 5.
Dr. Fitzgerald is a seasoned and experienced school administrator, having served as Principal of the Robert E. Bell Middle School in Chappaqua, New York for 17 years, and as Assistant Principal of the same school for the five years prior. He retired from his position in 2020, and has been working with doctoral students at Manhattanville College in the Educational Leadership Program.
In collaboration with our two outstanding Assistant Principals, Ms. Suzanne Short and Dr. Robert Zegarelli, Dr. Fitzgerald will help complete the phased reopening of RHS, ensure that our effective safety protocols continue, and help to organize and plan for our traditional spring events and recognitions.
As a former long-time principal and the parent of a current high school student, Dr. Fitzgerald is well-versed in the key components of a successful high school program and how to best support the community. I have always been struck by how well Dr. Fitzgerald connects with people and especially with students. He is a tremendously talented educator and is committed to building a strong sense of cohesiveness in school. His ability to foster a nurturing, supportive school climate for both students and educators has been a hallmark of his work as a school leader.
Dr. Fitzgerald will be holding virtual parent coffees so High School parents, students, faculty, and staff can have a chance to meet him. More information on those will be forthcoming shortly.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Fitzgerald to the RCSD community.
Sincerely,
Eric Byrne, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
