Welcome to the MyRye.com Q&A series with your Rye City School District board of education candidates.
The upcoming board of education election will be uncontested. Two seats are open on the board, and voters will be also asked to vote on the proposed $117 million dollar budget (a 3.08% increase over last year). Shaun Kloepfer, who joined the board in 2023, will be running for re-election. Current board member Tom Stein is not running again.
Today we are pleased to present the MyRye.com Q&A with board of education candidate Emily Borell. We expect to publish our Q&A with Shaun Kloepfer in the next day or two.
The board and budget vote is on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 6:00am – 9:00pm in the Rye Middle School gym.
Your Name: Emily Borell
Why are you running for school board?
Borell: My background in education and literacy, combined with my involvement in the Rye community, gives me both professional and personal insight into the needs of our students and schools. I care deeply about public education and want to help ensure Rye continues to provide an excellent, supportive environment for every child.
Why are you running for school board now?
Borell: I’m running for the school board now because after years of volunteering and working closely with Rye families, teachers and administrators, I feel ready to serve our district in a broader capacity.
Yes or No: Do you plan to support the upcoming school budget vote on Tuesday, May 19th?
Borell: Yes! I also encourage all registered voters in our community to get out and vote on May 19th.
What are three or four features of the current budget that make it worthy of voter support?
Borell: The proposed budget reflects a balanced approach that supports students while remaining mindful of taxpayers. It stays within New York State’s tax cap while continuing to invest in the programs and services that families value most.
The budget also expands academic opportunities for students, including additional STEM instruction and enhanced academic programming at the high school level. These investments help ensure students continue to have access to engaging, forward-looking educational experiences.
In addition, the budget continues to prioritize safety, technology and infrastructure improvements across the district. These investments support safe, modern and well-maintained learning environments for both students and staff.
What are the three biggest opportunities / challenges facing the Rye schools over the next 3-5 years?
Borell: One of the district’s greatest challenges will be continuing to deliver exceptional academic programs, student support services and extracurricular opportunities while remaining mindful of rising costs and their impact on taxpayers.
At the same time, schools are navigating growing social, emotional and mental health needs among students, compounded by the pressures of technology and social media. Strengthening student support systems and fostering healthy, balanced learning environments will remain a central priority.
Rye’s greatest opportunity lies in building on its already innovative academic offerings while preserving the strong sense of community and personal connection that defines the district. Thoughtful investments in technology, facilities, safety and curriculum will help ensure every student is prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.
What are the three biggest areas for cost containment with the Rye schools over the next 3-5 years?
Borell: As enrollment shifts over time, the district should continue to evaluate staffing needs carefully, prioritizing attrition and unfilled vacancies over reductions wherever possible, while safeguarding class sizes and preserving strong academic programs.
Building maintenance and capital improvements should be addressed proactively to prevent larger emergency costs down the road and bring greater predictability to long-term spending.
Ultimately, one of the most effective ways to contain costs is to ensure every resource utilized in the district is used thoughtfully and efficiently.
What year did you move to Rye?
Borell: We moved to Rye in March of 2016.
Where do you live in Rye?
Borell: We live on Bradford Avenue across from the Marshlands, close to Osborn Elementary School.
Where did you grow up?
Borell: I grew up in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia.
Thanks Emily!
Borell’s bio:
Emily Borell has lived in Rye for 10 years and has two children currently attending Rye City schools. Since moving to Rye, Emily has been an active member of the community. She has served as President on the ECC PTO, was a board member of 5 Steps to Five, and has been a member of the Osborn Elementary School PTO Executive Board for the past five years.
Emily was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education from Florida State University and began her career as a third-grade teacher. She later pursued a master’s degree in reading from Florida Atlantic University, after which she worked as a professor in the Teaching and Learning Department.
In 2011, Emily moved to New York City, where she served as a Reading Specialist at a multi-year early childhood development program. In 2016, she and her husband, Jon, relocated to Rye with their daughter.
“I believe deeply in the power of public education and the importance of strong community involvement. My background in education, along with my professional experience and continued engagement in our schools, has given me a well-rounded perspective that I believe is an asset to the Board of Education. I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve at a higher level and remain committed to strengthening educational opportunities for all students while ensuring they are supported both academically and socially.”
