2025-26 Budget FAQs

The ICSD will hold its Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election on Tuesday, May 20. Polls will be open from 12-9 p.m. For more information, including district polling locations and absentee and early mail ballot applications, visit ithacacityschools.org/vote.

Have a question not answered on this page? Submit it via Let's Talk. Additional information, including recordings of Board of Education presentations, can be found on our Budget Development page.

This page is updated regularly as new information becomes available. Last update: April 29, 2025

Budget Summary

On April 22, the ICSD Board of Education adopted a budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year in the amount of $169,031,619. The proposed levy increase of 3.76% is within the state tax cap.

REVENUE	2024-25 BUDGET	2025-26 PROPOSED	$ CHANGE	% CHANGE
Local Property Tax Levy	$110,862,167	$115,031,984	$4,169,817	3.76%
State Aid	$37,132,808	$38,362,132	$1,229,324	3.31%
Fed Support, Fund Balance, Reserves	$8,743,679	$8,497,003	($246,676)	-2.82%
Other Revenue	$6,273,444	$7,140,500	$867,056	13.82%
TOTAL REVENUE	$163,012,098	$169,031,619	$6,019,521	3.69%

APPROPRIATIONS	2024-25 BUDGET	2025-26 PROPOSED	$ CHANGE	% CHANGE
Salaries and Benefits	$113,148,907	$116,569,782	$3,420,875	3.02%
BOCES	$22,161,143	$23,621,855	$1,460,712	6.59%
Other	$16,184,594	$17,303,729	$1,119,135	6.91%
Debt Services	$11,517,454	$11,536,253	$18,799	0.16%
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS	$163,012,098	$169,031,619	$6,019,521	3.69%

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2025-26 Budget FAQs

Budget Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

REVENUE

EXPENDITURES

2025-26 Budget FAQs

Budget Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

What are budgets, and how are they developed in the Ithaca City School District?

What happens if the budget doesn't pass?

What is a contingency budget?

What expenses would the ICSD need to cut if we went to a contingency budget?

How much does the district spend per pupil?

What is the average class size in the ICSD?

Is the district audited?

How is Proposition 2 related to the budget we are voting on in Proposition 1?

REVENUE

What is the anticipated tax rate for 2025-26 under the proposed budget?

What is the estimated tax levy included in the proposed budget?

What is the New York State tax cap?

How is the New York State tax cap calculated?

What property tax exemptions am I eligible for?

Can the district pay for budgeted expenditures without levying more taxes?

Do other school districts in the state have other revenue that supports paying for the costs to operate? Why is the ICSD so dependent on taxes?

What are reserves and fund balance?

Why can’t the district use more fund balance to reduce taxes?

How much does the district receive in state aid?

What are the “other revenue” sources?

Does the ICSD receive any federal funding?

Where can I find information regarding the funding received by the ICSD during COVID? Are those funds audited?

EXPENDITURES

What does it mean when there is an increase or decrease in a particular line item?

How is the district addressing the recruitment and retention of teachers and staff?

Can you please speak to the salary level that the superintendent receives?

Is the $18,355,734 listed in the administrative component of the budget all going to fund administrator salaries?

Are ICSD administrators unionized?

What is included in the Contractual Services line items?