Rye High School Principal to Retire

After 20 years at the helm of Rye High School, Jim Rooney will retire near the beginning of the school year.

Superintendent Edward Shine sent a letter to parents and staff this week notifying them of Rooney's departure.

"After a twenty-year career in Rye, the Board of Education has accepted the retirement of our high school principal, Dr. Jim Rooney, effective at the end of this coming October," Shine said in the letter.

"Dr. Rooney has led Rye High School to become recognized as one of the very best high schools in the United States," Shine wrote. "He has created a learning environment where children grow into young adults, inspired to fulfill their individual potential as scholars, artists, athletes and community leaders."

Board of Education President Josh Nathan said Rooney will serve as principal through Oct. 31., which will give the district time to appoint an interim replacement while it looks for a new principal.

"Dr. Rooney's record speaks for itself, we have a phenomenal high school, one of the best learning and growing environments in the nation. We are grateful for Dr. Rooney's leadership these last two decades," Nathan said.

Shine said Rooney will be "sharing his thoughts on retirement and the leadership transition in a special faculty and staff meeting on September 1, and in subsequent meetings with parents."

Rooney will help the district with the transition for some time after he retires in October.

Shine said the district will  keep the community informed of its progress in the coming months.