Rye Neck BOE Appoints New Superintendent

     The Rye Neck Board of Education is delighted to announce that at its April 22nd meeting, the Board unanimously appointed Mr. Michael Burke as its next Superintendent of Schools.

     The Board believes Mr. Burke fully demonstrates the type of experienced, innovative, and collegial leader Rye Neck school community members desire for our district. He will officially begin his work as Superintendent on July 1st.

     “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 Mr. 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 trajectory 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. Additionally, 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, NJ resident, Michael is married to Caren and has two children.

     Rye Neck school community members – parents, students, teachers, and administrators – played an integral role in the superintendent search process through face-to-face conversations to develop the candidate profile. Nearly 300 residents completed a survey to further contribute to this work, which was led by School Leadership, LLC, the firm appointed by the board in January to lend professional guidance to the search. 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.