Communication Protocol for Parents and Caregivers

We believe that sharing information and working through issues are best handled when both sides work together to dialogue and find solutions as close to the origin as possible. It is an important goal of the ICSD to work together with school personnel and families to ensure the best results for every child’s education. 

Below are the appropriate steps to take in communicating with school district personnel when you have concerns or questions involving your child’s instruction, discipline, intervention services, or learning materials.

If you have an issue directly related to your child’s safety or an emergency situation, please call the school directly and office staff will connect you with an administrator or lead teacher to help.

1. Contact your child’s classroom teacher or instructional support teacher by phone or email. For special education cases, please contact the Master Educator of Inclusion assigned to your child’s school. For Dignity for All Students (DASA) cases, please contact ICSD DASA Coordinator Amanda Verba at amanda.verba@icsd.k12.ny.us or (607) 274-2121.
    
2. If you have not received a response from the teacher, Master Educator, or DASA Coordinator within three (3) business days, or if you are unsatisfied with the resolution or communication exchange, please contact your child’s building principal by phone or email.
    
3. If you have not received a response from the building principal within three (3) business days, or if you are unsatisfied with the resolution or communication exchange, please contact Deputy Superintendent Lily Talcott at lily.talcott@icsd.k12.ny.us or (607) 274-2134.   
    
4. If you have not received a response from the Deputy Superintendent within three (3) business days, or if you are unsatisfied with the resolution or communication exchange, please contact Superintendent Dr. Luvelle Brown at luvelle.brown@icsd.k12.ny.us or (607) 274-6845.
    
5. If you have not received a response from the Superintendent within three (3) business days, or if you are unsatisfied with the resolution or communication exchange, please contact members of the Board of Education. Contact information for Board of Education members can be found on the Ithaca City School District website.

Below is the contact information for each building’s principal, Master Educator of Inclusion (MEI, special education (SPED) clerical staff, and family liaison (if applicable), as well as for the district cafeteria and transportation managers. In each school, there are also many support staff members, such as social workers, school counselors, and special education chairs, who are available to assist parents/caregivers.