Ithaca City School District

The meeting featured a presentation on the proposed 2026-27 school budget, detailing the tax levy increase, various propositions for capital reserves, vehicle purchases, and capital projects. Discussions included community concerns regarding the use of fund balances, the budget development process, kindergarten class sizes, and the request to utilize local sales tax for school funding. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the decision to discontinue a regional health and wellness service program and the associated impact on student health services and staff support.

The board discussed several topics, including public concern regarding the district's transition away from the TST BOCES Health and Wellness COSER and the need for better communication with nursing staff. A 2019 Capital Project update was provided, highlighting the progress of the Ithaca High School STEM addition and Enfield renovations. The audit/finance discussion covered the retention of Insero & Co. CPAs, LLC for external auditing services, preparations for the upcoming independent audit, and an analysis of claims auditor quarterly reports focusing on purchase order timing and tax-exempt purchasing compliance. The committee also reviewed a range of financial accounts, including treasurer and food service reports, budget transfers, and the approval of various donations and contracts, including the appointment of commissioning services and the disposal of surplus equipment.

The public hearing focused on the proposed 2026-2027 district budget, which includes a 3.4% levy increase, remaining below the state-calculated cap. Four key propositions were presented: the primary annual budget, the appropriation of capital reserve funds for transportation and facility renovations, the establishment of a new 2026 capital reserve fund, and a 2026 capital project bond resolution. Community members provided public comment regarding budget growth, property tax reliance, class sizes, and the impact of changes to the TST health and wellness services. The board provided context on the budget, fund balances, and the availability of district information for the public.

The committee held a work session addressing concerns regarding the future of the school health and wellness team, specifically the impact of losing resources and a lack of clinical supervision. Discussion topics also included ongoing construction projects, such as STEM additions, site improvements, and updates on building access points. Additionally, the committee reviewed the selection of an external auditor for the upcoming audit and discussed quarterly reports on claims, noting specific issues related to purchase order processing timelines for athletic and special education services.

The Board of Education meeting focused on student representation within the district. Key discussion topics included the role and structure of the Superintendent Student Advisory Council and student representation on the Board of Education, emphasizing the need for multimodal and equitable representation. The Board approved an athletic merger with a legal free academy for varsity girls field hockey. Additionally, the Board initiated a first reading of a draft policy concerning student ex-officio members of the Board of Education, which delegates the development of specific selection and representation processes to building leadership.