Parents and students push for single Ithaca graduation; superintendent says change not possible this year

Multiple parents and students told the Ithaca City School District Board of Education on May 27 that high-school graduates should attend a single, unified commencement rather than two ceremonies.

Mary Beth Inken said a split ceremony left classmates and families separated and urged the district to “please reconsider graduation. It should be one.” Julia Gorman, who organized a petition, and student representatives also supported a consolidated ceremony so classmates and families could attend together.

Superintendent Dr. Brown acknowledged the sentiment but told the board that changing ceremonies on short notice is not feasible. “Can we change now? No,” he said, explaining that scheduling large venues, arranging busing and security and budgeting for rental and staffing require many months of advance planning. He said the district would survey students next year and examine options for a one-ceremony model, but the logistics and costs — several thousand dollars for venue rental, staffing and related services — must be budgeted in advance.

Board member Todd said he supported spending more to give seniors a single ceremony and urged administrators to present concrete options quickly. Board member Joe suggested a board resolution to urge administration to pursue a unified graduation plan.

Several speakers also raised timing conflicts that affect students’ ability to attend multiple events on the same day; one student noted overlapping senior project presentations and a second graduation time that prevented friends from watching one another graduate.

No policy change was adopted at the meeting. The superintendent said the district will consider surveys of students and families and examine budget implications and facility options for next year.