Interim Rye Neck High School Principal Melinda Folchetti will start her permanent role as the head of the high school this summer, according to an announcement from the school.
Folchetti, who has been the interim principal since the summer of 2023, told The Record she’s grateful for the opportunity.
“I’ve learned so much over the past couple of years – and am reminded, almost daily, of how much our students can accomplish given the opportunity, encouragement and support,” she said. “I am honored and humbled and eager to keep moving forward – and am so grateful for the opportunity to do so.”
In a letter to the Rye Neck community, outgoing Schools Superintendent Eric Lutinski said he’s worked with Folchetti during his tenure, and is confident in her ability to lead the high school.
“She has a student-centered leadership style that unfailingly directs our resources toward student success and growth,” Lutinski wrote in the letter. “During my long working relationship with Ms. Folchetti, I have grown to respect her practical perspective, always striving to prioritize the interests of the students in her charge when faced with decisions large or small.”
Folchetti will begin her permanent term on July 1, the same day that the new Rye Neck Schools Superintendent Michael Burke starts his tenure. The Rye Neck Board of Education expects to officially appoint Burke – who previously served as the superintendent of the Cresskill School District in New Jersey for nine years – at its April 22 meeting.
“I’m excited to continue the work we’ve been doing at [Rye Neck] with Mr. Burke at the helm,” she told The Record.
Folchetti brings with her almost 30 years of experience at the Rye Neck Union Free School District, according to the announcement. That includes her previous roles as an English teacher at the high school, the English department chair, a senior class adviser, and as the president of the Rye Neck Teachers Association.
Her salary in 2024 was $199,197, according to state records.
Lutinski, who is set to retire at the end of June, wrote that both changes in leadership will be an “exciting new chapter” for the district, and emphasized that the high school is lucky to have Folchetti at the helm.
“Consistent with Rye Neck’s mission, Ms. Folchetti has emphasized fostering a close-knit school community through strong interpersonal relationships and approachability, modeling traits that have led to a positive school culture,” Lutinski said.
