On Tuesday, the ICSD Board of Education adopted a proposed budget of $169,031,619 for the 2025-26 school year. The 3.76% proposed tax levy increase is within the New York State tax cap.
🗳️The Budget Vote and School Board Election will take place on Tuesday, May 20, from 12 noon to 9 p.m.
For more information and to check your polling location, visit ithacacityschools.org/vote.
Have a question not addressed on our website or in the FAQs, please reach out through Let's Talk.

Call for Candidates: ICSD Board of Education
The Ithaca City School District is seeking candidates for four open seats on the Board of Education. Those interested in running can find candidate information and nominating petitions here: https://www.ithacacityschools.org/page/budget-vote-election or pick them up from District Clerk Tricia Beresford at 400 Lake Street.
đź“… Petition Deadline: April 30, 2025
🗳️ Election Date: May 20, 2025
Serving on the Board is a meaningful way to contribute to the future of our schools and community. Learn more and get involved today!

The Ithaca City School District is closed today, Monday, March 31, for a recess day.

Deadline Approaching! Apply Now for Project Innovation! 🎉
Spots are filling up fast—don’t miss out on this exciting summer program for ICSD students in pre-K through 8th grade! Apply before the March 31 deadline to secure your spot.
đź“… Deadline: March 31, 2025
đź”— Apply here: https://forms.gle/NsJMm8DJqnLQSCYV6
🌟 Learn more: ithacacityschools.org/page/project-innovation

Deadline Approaching! Apply Now for Project Innovation! 🎉
Spots are filling up fast—don’t miss out on this exciting summer program for ICSD students in pre-K through 8th grade! Apply before the March 31 deadline to secure your spot.
đź“… Deadline: March 31, 2025
đź”— Apply here: https://forms.gle/NsJMm8DJqnLQSCYV6
🌟 Learn more: ithacacityschools.org/page/project-innovation

✨ Discover LACS! ✨
Join us for Information Night at Lehman Alternative Community School!
đź“… Thursday, March 27
🕕 6:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 LACS Library
This event is for families of students in grades 5–10 who are interested in learning more about our unique and vibrant school community.
We can't wait to welcome you!




It's National School Breakfast Week! 🥞🎉
Did you know that breakfast is FREE for all students in our district? It provides a healthy, nutritious start to the day, helping to fuel learning and set the tone for success. 📚✨ Students who eat breakfast at school often have better attendance, improved behavior, and stronger academic performance.
So, who's grabbing a fruit smoothie and benefit bar tomorrow? 🍓🥤

Now Accepting Applications: Project Innovation! 🎉
Our inclusive summer program is open to all ICSD students currently in pre-K through 8th grade! Apply now to secure your spot.
đź“… Deadline: March 31, 2025
đź”— Apply here: https://forms.gle/NsJMm8DJqnLQSCYV6
🌟 Learn more: ithacacityschools.org/page/project-innovation

School’s out, but we’re looking back at some favorite February moments! đźŽ
First up: Boynton Middle School's How to Survive Being in a Shakespeare Play! Bravo to the cast and crew for an amazing show! 👏





The Ithaca City School District will be closed today, Thursday, February 6, 2025, due to inclement weather. All school-sponsored after-school and evening activities are also canceled.
For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.

🎶✨ January was filled with incredible performances by the talented students of Boynton Middle School's band, orchestra, and chorus! Couldn't make it to the concerts? You can rewatch the livestreams on our Fine & Performing Arts YouTube channel: youtube.com/@ICSDFandPA 🎥🎼
Thank you to our musicians, directors, and families who made these concerts possible! 👏🎻🎺🎤



🚨 Cold Weather Advisory Bus Procedures Begin January 13 🚨
To keep students safe during severe cold (wind chill of 0°F or below), ICSD Transportation will implement special bus procedures from January 13 to March 1.
🚌 Drivers will wait longer for students.
🏠Students may stay inside until the bus is visible.
🚏 Additional stops for secondary students who typically walk to school.
⏳ Expect secondary buses to run 2–3 minutes late.
For more details about weather-related delays and closures, visit: https://www.ithacacityschools.org/page/emergency-closings

All Ithaca City School District-sponsored after-school and evening activities are canceled for today, January 7, 2025, due to inclement weather. This includes this evening’s Board of Education Policy and Human Resources work sessions, which will be rescheduled for a later date. There will be no late bus transportation.
The ICSD is in an area where snow is typical during winter months. If weather conditions pose a potential hazard to students and staff, school officials may dismiss students early, delay the opening of schools, or close schools for the day.
For more information on how decisions about emergency closings are made, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.

Pre-K spots are still available at Belle Sherman and Caroline elementary schools! The ICSD pre-K program offers caring, play-based environments that foster creativity, confidence, and belonging for 4-year-olds. There is no cost to attend this program.
Apply today—spots are limited!: http://www.ithacacityschools.org/prek





🌟 November Spotlight: Our Students Shine on Stage! đźŽâś¨
In November, our talented student performers delivered incredible performances on our stages with not one, not two, but three outstanding productions across the district:
🎬 DeWitt and Boynton Middle Schools presented the spooky and hilarious Beetlejuice Jr.
🎠Ithaca High School Drama Club took us back in time with their powerful rendition of Radium Girls.
🌊 LACS brought the magic of Shakespeare to life with their take on The Tempest.
We’re so proud of the hard work and dedication of every student and staff member involved in these productions! 👏🎉









As a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for our area, we want to remind families to review the ICSD Emergency Closing Procedures at: https://www.ithacacityschools.org/page/emergency-closings
Be sure your contact information in SchoolTool is up to date to receive notifications about closures, delays, or early dismissals. If you need assistance updating your contact information, please email icsdcommunications@icsd.k12.ny.us.
📲Download the free ICSD app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for quick access to updates and alerts!
Stay safe and warm!❄️

✨Happy SRP Recognition Day!✨
Today, we celebrate the incredible School-Related Professionals (SRPs) who play a vital role in the success of our students and schools. From educating, feeding, and transporting our students, to maintaining facilities, monitoring health, and keeping our offices running smoothly—SRPs make a difference every single day.
Thank you to all our amazing SRPs! Your dedication creates safe and nurturing environments that foster student-centered learning. 🚌📚🍎

Share Your Feedback on the 2024–2025 Academic Calendar!
The ICSD is considering important changes to the 2024-2025 academic calendar, including shifting the March conference days and adding a Regents Day in June. The Board of Education will vote on these changes on November 12, and we want your input by November 11.
đź“… View the proposed changes: ithacacityschools.org/article/1838708
🗣️ Provide feedback via Let’s Talk: ithacacityschools.org/letstalk

🍎It's National School Lunch Week! 🥗
At the Ithaca City School District, we’re proud to support our students with healthy, balanced meals every day through our Child Nutrition Program. 🍽️
Learn more about our meals and how we support students: https://www.ithacacityschools.org/page/child-nutrition
We’re proud to share that Kathryn Cernera, ITA President and ICSD educator, has been recognized in the 2024 Labor Power 100 list! This honor highlights her unwavering commitment to our students, educators, and community. We are incredibly grateful for her exceptional leadership on our team!
Congratulations, Kathryn!
Read the article here: https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2024/08/2024-labor-power-100/398966/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFzpo1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdrzLIhuENTammfU5gIUx7UTGIkEa_ydoTd5LSGuiVZjObxDgQ7cOHVc4g_aem_K5WZKoeN1OmZyXYG-MsURA

