Board of Education President Laura Slack read, on behalf of the entire Board, a letter to parents in response to the recent reports of alleged hazing and unlawful acts involving certain Rye High School students. The complete letter can be viewed here, or on the District's website, www.ryeschools.org, where previous statements regarding this matter are also posted. 

Several times a year, the Board of Education presents Extra Mile Awards to individuals or groups who have gone above and beyond in their contributions to the District. At this meeting, Board Members presented Extra Mile Awards to several individuals who have made great contributions to the District. Kendall Egan presented an Extra Mile Award to Middle School teacher Mary Henwood for her exceptional work as a coach to the Girls Varsity Basketball Team. Katy Keohane-Glassberg presented an Extra Mile Award to Middle School teacher Craig Dreves, in recognition of his work with the Reach Out Rye student volunteer organization. Edward Fox presented an Extra Mile Award to District Clerk and Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Elaine Cuglietto for successfully overseeing and carrying out three elections this year. Josh Nathan honored Superintendent of Schools Dr. Shine, who will retire as of July 1, for the 16 years of leadership and service he has provided to the District.  

In addition to these awards, Board Member Karen Belanger recognized the PTO and PO volunteers who contribute so greatly to the District, thanking them for their many efforts. She presented gifts of appreciation to the five retiring PTO/PO leaders: Megan Keough (RHS), Susan Ciardiello (RMS), Maryann Cassidy (Midland), Margaret Mead (Milton), and Molly Howson (Osborn).  

The Board approved a number of gifts to the District with great gratitude. These include a $1,261 gift from the Middle School PO for a variety of purposes, a $6,000 gift from the David E. Retik and Christopher D. Mello Foundation for the Christopher Mello Scholarship, a $4,320 gift from the Milton School PTO for a SMARTBoard, and a $50,551.50 gift from the Midland PTO for a gym mat, SMARTBoard, 2 laptop carts, and portable slates.  

High School Principal Patricia Taylor presented a report on college placements for the Class of 2012. The report outlined data and statistics regarding college admissions, applications, Advanced Placement courses, and more. Mrs. Taylor noted that for the 226 seniors in the Class of 2012, 1,605 applications were processed for 303 different colleges.  

Assistant Superintendent for Business Kathleen Ryan presented a report on fund balance and reserve projections for June 30, 2012, including tax certiorari reserve.