New Head for Rye Neck Schools
Rye Neck Schools will have a new Superintendent on July 1st.The Board of Education is expected to make the appointment official during its April 22nd meeting. The announcement follows the Rye City School District announcing a new head just last week.
Michael Burke will next Superintendent of Schools for Rye Neck. In December, current Rye Neck Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Lutinski announced he would be retiring on June 30, 2025 after 30 years of service to the district.
“Mr. Burke’s demonstrable success in a district very similar to Rye Neck makes him an excellent candidate to lead us to new heights,” said Board of Education President Erica Wagner. “But most important to the Board is Michael’s warmth and proven ability to lead and innovate by creating consensus. We are excited to welcome him to Rye Neck.”
“I am simply thrilled for this opportunity and want to thank the board for its belief in my ability to lead this wonderful school district,” said Burke. “My wife and I have deep roots in the area, and it feels a bit like coming home to be given this privilege.”
Michael Burke’s 25 years in public education include serving nine years as Superintendent of the Cresskill Public Schools, where he was named as the Bergen County (NJ) Superintendent of the Year in 2022. His career included positions as high school principal, curriculum supervisor, and AP math teacher. Mr. Burke holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education/Mathematics, both from Boston College. He has a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University. He also served as captain of his Division 1 Track & Field team at Boston College. A longtime Harrington Park, New Jersey resident, Burke and his wife Caren have two children.
Nearly 300 Rye Neck residents completed a survey as part of the search, which was led by School Leadership, LLC, the search firm appointed by the Board of Education in January. A highly qualified set of candidates was ultimately interviewed by the board. After comprehensive background and reference checks, Mr. Burke was offered a three-year contract.
