Rye City School District students will return to two new spaces when the 2026-27 school year begins: an outdoor study area shared by Rye High School and Rye Middle School, and a life skills apartment at Midland School built specifically for special education students.

The courtyard adjacent to the Library Media Center, which serves both the high school and middle school, now features a paved area, gravel pathways, outdoor furnishings, power outlets and Wi-Fi, according to the district's announcement. Students can use the space for studying and gathering outdoors.

At Midland School, an existing room was converted into the GARNETS apartment. The name nods to the district's mascot. The space mimics a home environment with a kitchenette, appliances, a washer and dryer, and bedroom and living areas where students can practice everyday tasks such as cooking, laundry and organizing a living space in a structured setting.

The Rye Fund for Education and the district's special education budget jointly funded the apartment. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Erin Vredenburgh, who leads the district's pupil personnel services and special education programs, oversees the Midland School services that will use the new space.

The upgrades arrived on schedule despite a brief delay flagged earlier this summer. "Construction is slightly delayed but will be on time for the opening of schools," Superintendent Dr. Patricia Murray told the Board of Education at its Aug. 11 meeting. The district now says minor finishing work on some projects may continue but will not interfere with school operations.

Milton and Osborn schools received deep cleaning and routine maintenance rather than construction projects this summer.

The Board of Education next meets Thursday, Aug. 27.