Board reviews budget scenarios and three levy options before April adoption window Business officials presented a new online 'budget book' and three levy scenarios (examples at 4.18%, 3.18% and 2.18%). Trustees discussed use of reserves, multi-year projections, and a proposed April 9 work session before a likely adoption vote on April 14.

Ithaca school officials just unveiled three budget levy scenarios and a new online 'budget book' to enhance transparency—will they strike the right balance before the April vote?

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Board hears mixed early results on cell-phone ban as students and staff urge more data and consistent implementation School leaders presented state-required discipline-referral data and a high-school student survey about the new cell-phone law. Students described ticket-based and restorative approaches; several board members requested comparable middle-school data before making policy adjustments.

The Ithaca Board of Education is grappling with mixed results from the new cell-phone rules, pushing for more data and consistent practices to enhance student engagement.

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Committee reviews tenure recommendation process and state APPR changes Committee members received an overview of tenure recommendations, observation requirements under APPR/State Step Program, and the March 1 deadline for required observations for not-yet-tenured staff; members asked staff to return with counts and proposed tenure-report templates.

The Ithaca school district is reshaping its tenure recommendation process, emphasizing new evaluation metrics and deadlines that could impact hundreds of teachers.

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Ithaca school board weighs tax-cap scenarios as officials outline preliminary 2026–27 budget District leaders presented a preliminary 2026–27 budget projection and three budget-path options for the board to consider, highlighting a roughly 5% year‑over‑year cost increase, a 3.8% rise in state aid, and a calculated tax-cap of about 4.18 percent; staff will return with detailed expenditure scenarios.

Ithaca City School District is facing a pivotal moment as leaders present a preliminary budget for 2026–27, highlighting a potential tax-cap increase and the balancing act between funding and taxpayer impact.

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Votes at a glance: board adopts facilities‑use policy, approves athletics merger and accepts independent audit The Ithaca City School District Board of Education voted to approve a public‑use policy for district facilities, adopt its regulation, accept an independent audit and approve an athletic merger for girls ice hockey with Corning; the consent agenda also passed.

The Ithaca City School District Board of Education made significant moves by approving a new public-use policy for school facilities and a one-year athletic merger for girls ice hockey with Corning!

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Regionalization pitch: Ithaca board hears plans to expand shared career pathways and special‑education programs Tompkins‑Seneca‑Tioga regional leaders briefed the Ithaca board on a regionalization plan focused on career pathways, shared operations and inclusive special education, describing existing pilot programs and next steps for collaboration across districts.

Exciting changes are on the horizon for Ithaca students as regional leaders unveil a groundbreaking plan to enhance career pathways and special education across multiple districts!

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Board creates advisory council to develop climate-action plan; students, staff to be included The Ithaca school board voted to create an advisory council to review and refine a proposed district climate action plan. Advocates said the group will focus on measurable goals and financial implications, and staff noted an expected Department of Energy grant to support building evaluation and educational work.

The Ithaca City School District just took a monumental step by forming an advisory council dedicated to crafting a climate action plan that includes voices from students and the community.

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One month in: Ithaca High leadership says cell-phone ban shows drops in referrals and more student engagement High school administrators and student representatives presented early data on the district’s cell-phone restriction after one month, reporting decreased device use in class, a jump in library checkouts and fewer disciplinary referrals while flagging practical challenges for students and staff.

Ithaca High's new cell-phone policy is transforming student behavior, leading to more engagement and fewer disciplinary issues, but challenges remain!

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Board explains decision-making on school threat notices after weekend emails District leaders said they weigh law-enforcement assessments before broadly notifying families about emailed threats. Community members criticized the district's initial silence after noncredible threat emails circulated last week.

Ithaca City School District faces backlash for its delayed communication regarding recent emailed threats, raising concerns about student safety and transparency.

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Community speakers press Ithaca school board on teacher pay, retention and communication Public commenters and student representatives urged the Ithaca City School District Board of Education on Sept. 30 to prioritize teacher retention and to improve communication during safety incidents as contract negotiations with the teachers' union remain unresolved.

Community voices are demanding the Ithaca school board address ongoing teacher pay issues and communication failures as contract negotiations with the teachers' union continue.

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District recommends postponing capital-project referendum to May to allow more community outreach District staff and its architect recommended delaying a proposed capital-project referendum from a proposed December vote to the May budget vote to allow more time for community outreach and to reduce election costs; no formal referendum authorizing vote was adopted at the Sept. 30 meeting.

Ithaca City School District is considering postponing a crucial capital-project referendum to May 2026, aiming to enhance community engagement and cut costs!

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School Improvement Plans Discussed at State Education Meeting Officials review past strategies to enhance new school improvement plans for success.

The ICSD Board of Education is redefining success with innovative school improvement plans aimed at enhancing student outcomes across the district.

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Enfield School District focuses on curriculum improvements and instructional strategies for student success Enfield School District implements new curriculum and assessment strategies to enhance student performance.

The Ithaca City School District is revolutionizing student learning with new curriculum strategies and assessments designed to boost academic success from elementary through middle school.

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Board Explores Curriculum Consistency Among Teachers to Support Student Success Discussion centers on improving standards-based grading consistency for better student support.

The ICSD Board is tackling the pressing issue of inconsistent grading practices that could impact student success across the district.

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Ithaca Schools Report Improved Test Scores Through Targeted Student Support Strategies Ithaca schools show growth in student test performance with tailored support efforts.

Ithaca schools are seeing a positive shift in test scores thanks to innovative support strategies tailored to meet individual student needs.

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District Leaders Celebrate ELA Gains While Increasing Focus on Math Assessments District reports significant ELA progress while aiming for stronger math performance.

The ICSD Board of Education is making bold moves to reshape curriculum strategies, prioritizing academic performance in ELA and math to meet state standards.

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Ithaca Schools Partner With Vaterra for Virtual Math Tutoring Program Ithaca City School District implements virtual tutoring to boost middle school math participation.

Ithaca City School District is launching an innovative virtual tutoring program to transform math education and bridge equity gaps for middle schoolers!

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