Ithaca teachers union urges board to prioritize daily recess and support 'Power of Play' advocacy
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Summary
Catherine Cernera, president of the Ithaca Teachers Association, told the school board she and ITA members support expanding structured and unstructured play in the K–6 school day and highlighted NYSUT’s Power of Play campaign seeking to codify a 40‑minute daily recess requirement for young learners.
During the public‑comment period Feb. 24, Catherine Cernera, president of the Ithaca Teachers Association, urged the Ithaca City School District board to keep play and recess at the forefront of scheduling and bargaining conversations.
"My name is Catherine Cernera, president of the Ithaca Teachers Association. I am speaking tonight to amplify the public comment made at your last voting meeting by ITA member and Caroline kindergarten teacher, Nancy Braun, and to voice our teachers' strong support for expanding students' opportunities for play during their school day," Cernera said.
She described the union’s support for both structured physical education and unstructured daily recess. Cernera cited the New York State United Teachers’ Power of Play initiative, which the union has described as seeking legislative action to codify a minimum of 40 minutes of unstructured daily recess for students in grades K–6. "Should this legislation be enacted, it would legally require us to make a major shift," she said, noting that the district currently schedules a 40‑minute block made up of a 20‑minute lunch and a 20‑minute recess in some elementary settings.
Cernera asked the board to keep the issue in mind while staff prepare presentations and negotiations continue. Superintendent Dr. Brown and other staff said the district is gathering information and intends to present a comprehensive update to the board at a future meeting.
The board thanked Cernera for the remarks and said staff would include the topic in upcoming agenda planning and bargaining discussions.