Local News: May 6, 2024 – 2024 ICSD Elections

Ithaca City School District Election Roundup

The district-wide Ithaca City School District election is coming up on May 21. Eligible voters in the district will vote on three ballot measures and for candidates for three seats on the school board. The first measure is a vote on the district’s proposed $169 million budget. It will require 60% or better support as it exceeds the state cap on school budget increases. Proposition three would approval to sale of $125 million in bonds to fund capital projects inlucluding school bus electrification, new bus barn construction, and athletic field improvements. Proposition two would authorize drawing down more than $3 million from the district’s capital reserve fund to purchase up to four electric buses, four propane busses, and six passenger vehicles. The Ithaca Teachers Association (or ITA) is supporting the proposed school budget.

According to the Ithaca Voice, the ITA has also endorsed candidates for the three seats  opening up on the school board. Endorsed candidates include incumbants Moira Lang and Adam Krantweiss as well as newcomer Emily Workman. Incumbent Eldrid Harris, chair of the finance committee, was been notably passed over for endorsement. The ITA endorses candidates who score well on criteria including experience, and support for teachers and students. Candidate Todd Fox, founder of the Visum Development Group, has called the district’s original proposed budget “unsustainable.” Other candidates include retired teacher Barry Derfel and businessman Steve Cullen.

If you’re already registered at your current address you can vote in the May 21 election. If not, you can register until 1pm on Tuesday May 7 at ICSD’s offices at 400 Lake St in Ithaca. The district will hold community conversation on the proposed capital bond measure Wedneday, May 8 at the Danby Fire House and a hearing on the operating budget May 14 in York Hall at Ithaca High School.

NOTE: This story has been updated to add that the Ithaca Teachers Association is supporting the proposed school budget.