Michael Burke has been appointed as the Rye Neck schools new superintendent, The Record has learned.
The appointment is expected to become official when the Board of Education approves Burke’s hiring at its April 22 meeting. A resident of Harrington Park, N.J., Burke, 50, plans to officially takeover the position on July 1, with the beginning of the school’s 2025-26 fiscal year.
He has agreed to a three-year contract to run the district. Burke replaces outgoing Superintendent Eric Lutinksi, who is set to retire on June 30 after 30 years serving Rye Neck schools in some capacity. Lutinski took over as superintendent in 2021 and commanded a salary of $260,616 in 2024, according to state records.
Burke’s salary has yet to be disclosed.
“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.
His “warmth and proven ability to lead” were clear indicators that the board found their man, describing Burke as an experienced innovator.
“We are excited to welcome him to Rye Neck,” Wagner added.
Burke spent 25 years in public education including nine years as the superintendent of the Cresskill School District. He was named the Bergen County, N.J., schools superintendent of the year in 2022, but then retired in early 2023, nj.com reported. That year his salary at Cresskill was reportedly $208,990.
He also spent time as a high school principal and AP math teacher during his career.
“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 in a statement.
The decision to land on the district’s next superintendent follows a nearly five-month process that began in January when the Board of Education hired School Leadership, LLC, to lead its search.
Burke holds a bachelor’s in Secondary Education and a master’s Degree in Secondary Education/Mathematics from Boston College. He also has a master’s in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University.
