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Ithaca City School District proposes $177.6 million budget; four propositions set for May 19 vote
Summary
The Ithaca City School District presented a $177,638,041 proposed budget for 2026–27 and read four propositions—including bus and capital reserve measures and a $43.9 million bond—at a required public hearing. The district and commenters debated fund balance use, class size, and where to find comparative data.
The Ithaca City School District presented a proposed $177,638,041 budget for the 2026–27 school year at a public hearing, with the district calling for a 3.4% levy increase that officials said is below New York State’s calculated tax cap of 4.18% (adopted April 14, 2026). The annual budget vote and board election are scheduled for May 19; polls will be open from 12 noon to 9 p.m., the district said.
Dr. Lisi, who read the budget and ballot language into the record, said the package includes four propositions. Proposition 1 is the budget itself; Proposition 2 would permit the district to appropriate up to $2,346,308 from a 2022 capital reserve for vehicle purchases (including up to seven 70‑passenger ultra‑low‑emission propane buses, other passenger buses, and two wheelchair‑equipped buses) or interior/exterior renovations at Cayuga Heights Elementary School. Proposition 3 would establish a 2026 capital reserve fund, for a probable five‑year term beginning July 1, 2026, with a maximum funding authorization of $10,000,000 to finance buses, facility alterations and accessibility improvements. Proposition 4 would authorize a bond resolution authorizing up to $43,900,000 for construction, reconstruction and related site and transportation infrastructure work; the district read the full bond text into the record.
At the hearing, community commenters questioned the district’s fiscal approach. Joe Olonski said he was concerned the district is ‘‘using rainy day money to just grow the budget’’ and characterized fund balance spending as ‘‘sneaky.’’ The Chair responded that fund balances are an intentional savings to address major contingencies and that the district aims to be transparent about reserves.
Greg Winter, who said he previously ‘‘sat in your seats,’’ urged board members to request and attend additional finance‑committee meetings next year so voters receive a clearer, consistent message. Amanda Williams, a retired teacher, asked where voters can find comparative budget data; the Chair directed residents to New York State report cards and offered to email additional comparable information.
The district encouraged anyone with Internet access to visit the ICSD budget page for a budget calculator, the budget book and the mailed voter information. The hearing concluded with the Chair reminding the public of the May 19 vote.
The hearing recorded no formal votes; the propositions will appear on the May 19 ballot.
