RIDER REPORT
Superintendent's Corner
On May 20, Ichabod Crane residents will vote on the proposed $51.1 million budget for the 2025-26 school year. This budget ensures our strong academic programs and essential social-emotional supports stay in place, giving every student the tools they need to thrive.
Like many districts, we’re facing rising health insurance costs and reduced state aid. Despite these challenges, we’ve worked diligently to make thoughtful choices – such as leveraging staff retirements and finding other ways to save – to ensure that our core programs remain intact and our students’ education stays unaffected.
This is a huge accomplishment, continuing to advance the ICCSD Instructional Program Vision in a way that is fiscally sustainable. The budget preserves K-12 academics, electives, career/technical education, athletics and the arts. It also maintains critical support roles like counselors and social workers, who are essential to our students' well-being. We’re also continuing to invest in our STEAM programs and career readiness initiatives.
In addition to supporting students, the budget prioritizes the well-being of our staff and community. Through our staff Wellness Committee, we focus on supporting mental and physical health. Our Adult Education Program, which includes fitness classes and practical courses like Medicare 101, also helps residents improve their wellness. This budget considers the needs of the whole child and the health and wellness of the larger community.
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and incredibly grateful for the teams of stakeholders across the district who helped make this possible. I am excited for what’s to come.
Articles in this edition:
25-26 Proposed Budget Powers ICC to STEAM Ahead
9th Grader Morgan Haag Earns Honorable Mention at QIII Juried Art Exhibit
8th-Grade Crossing Inspires and Informs ICC's Future Freshmen
Authors Bring Stories to Life at the Primary School
What’s Next in May
#ICYMI
25-26 Proposed Budget Powers ICC to STEAM Ahead
Proposal preserves academic programming, services, supports
Ichabod Crane voters will head to the polls on May 20 to vote on a proposed $51.1 million budget for the 2025-26 school year.
This budget keeps our strong, hands-on academic programs and essential K-12 social-emotional supports intact, ensuring that every student continues to receive the resources they need to succeed.
"We’ve built a strong foundation with years of investments in academics, mental health and wellness," said Superintendent Marie Digirolamo. "This budget keeps that momentum going and meets the needs of our students, staff and community, even in tough financial times."
Like many districts, Ichabod Crane is facing challenges such as rising health insurance costs and reduced state aid. Starting with a $3.16 million budget gap, primarily from a $1.5 million health insurance increase and a $112,000 drop in state aid, district leaders worked to find solutions. They achieved savings through 11 staff retirements, adjustments based on student needs and enrollment, deferring some expenses and using fund balance strategically.
At the April 22 meeting, the Board of Education unanimously approved the proposed budget, which preserves K-12 academic programs, electives, career/technical education, athletics and the arts – while maintaining key positions like school counselors, psychologists, social workers and instructional coaches.
The plan reduces 16.6 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions, mostly through retirements (9.6 FTE), shifting roles to federal funding (3.0 FTE) and reductions in force (4.0 FTE), saving about $1.2 million. Non-personnel expenses, like supplies, have also been deferred.
"With these thoughtful reductions, the proposed budget protects the programs our students need for the future while keeping long-term financial stability in mind," said Superintendent Digirolamo. "I'm so grateful for the teamwork that helped us get here."
The budget also continues to invest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) and career readiness programs. This year, Ichabod Crane High School launched Discovering Computer Science, a new course developed by Siena College. It introduces 9th and 10th graders to coding, computational thinking, system design and cybersecurity.
The budget ensures continued support for this course and other STEAM offerings, including Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Advanced Drafting, Transportation Systems and college-level Automotive Technology.
Career readiness remains a priority across all grade levels. At the Middle School, students in grades 6-8 explore Business Education, covering topics like computer literacy, entrepreneurship, personal finance and career planning. In a recent project, Mr. Shane DeCanio guided 8th graders through mock interviews and resume writing, building real-world confidence and skills.
The budget continues to prioritize social-emotional learning (SEL), school safety and student support services. It preserves essential positions that work closely with staff to provide SEL instruction, behavior support and wellness initiatives. This proactive approach fosters school safety by creating a culture of connection, communication and care.
The arts remain an integral part of the Ichabod Crane experience, with the budget ensuring students can continue to excel creatively and academically. Additionally, the district supports our Adult Education programs, including Zumba, yoga, Medicare 101 and more, and has resumed its focus on staff wellness through the Ichabod Crane Wellness Committee.
The 2025-26 budget proposal reflects Ichabod Crane’s commitment to supporting every student and staff member. It invests in academic programs, social-emotional wellness and the overall well-being of our community, ensuring that Ichabod Crane remains a place where students, staff and the community can thrive and grow.
Polls are open on May 20 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the High School Gymnasium.
Also happening on May 20:
- K-12 Student Art Exhibit, open during polling hours, High School Gymnasium
- Primary School Authors' Fair, 4-6 p.m., Primary School
Class of '27 BBQ Fundraiser -- click here for more info and to pre-order
9th Grader Morgan Haag Earns 'Honorable Mention' at Juried Art Exhibit
Morgan Haag, a 9th-grade student at Ichabod Crane, earned an Honorable Mention for her photograph “In the Coop” at the Questar III BOCES 36th Annual Juried High School Art Exhibit. Her work was also featured in the Register Star newspaper.
The exhibit included 34 submissions from 12 area school districts and three Questar III BOCES schools and programs. Of those entries, only six were selected for first, second and third-place honors – and three received honorable mentions.
Morgan took her award-winning photo for an assignment in Ms. Dwileski's photography class. The project asked students to capture natural patterns within the school and Morgan found her inspiration backstage in the auditorium, among the play props.
When she heard from Ms. Dwileski that she had earned an Honorable Mention, she said she felt so grateful and beyond happy.
“Before taking photography, I truly had no clue how to use a digital camera, so with only a few short lessons I was able to create a picture that was so eye-striking to other art creators,” Morgan said. “Going to the art show was also a wonderful experience and I hope to go back there in the years to come!”
She said she chose to capture her picture in black and white because “when you take away the color of a picture, people will have to imagine what it looks like and they can focus more on the details in the photograph.”
In addition to taking art classes at the High School, Morgan spends lots of her free time creating art on her own.
“Art has a really important place in my heart,” she said. “When it's just me and my art supplies, I feel as though I can really express myself through art, rather than through words. Art is also very relaxing to me. I am able to put all my other thoughts aside and just focus on my photographs and the other art projects.”
To view Questar’s online gallery of the exhibit, please click here.
“Congratulations to Morgan for earning an Honorable Mention for her outstanding photograph! At Ichabod Crane, we know that the arts are an essential part of our students’ education,” Superintendent Marie Digirolamo said. “They provide an outlet for creativity, foster exploration, encourage curiosity and so many other qualities that are essential to the success of our students. We are proud to offer programs that nurture these talents and create an environment where all students can thrive, think critically and discover new possibilities for their future.”
8th-Grade Crossing Inspires and Informs ICC's Future Freshmen
Each year, our 8th-grade students take an exciting step toward their future during a special event known as the 8th-Grade Crossing – a dedicated afternoon visit to the High School that helps them prepare for the transition from Middle School to the next chapter of their academic journey.
During the visit, 8th graders gathered in the High School auditorium, where they were welcomed by administrators, counselors and a panel of current students. The student leaders shared personal experiences, offered valuable advice and answered questions – giving insight into everything from balancing academics and extracurriculars to navigating the first day.
The visit also included a guided tour of the building, led by High School students. These tours offer a firsthand look at important spaces like the cafeteria, Counseling and Career Center, STEAM Wing, library/media center and the various classroom wings, often organized by subject areas. Along the way, tour guides offered tips and pointed out key resources that will help ease the transition.
8th grader Landon Filli is looking forward to starting High School, especially the wide range of courses and clubs available. While he anticipates it may feel a bit overwhelming at first, he’s confident he’ll adjust quickly. He found the visit very informative, sharing, “The information they gave was great and it really seemed like they have enjoyed their High School experience thus far. The way they explained their experience made High School seem less stressful than I originally thought it could be before the Crossing.”
"This tradition holds deep meaning in the Ichabod Crane community because we understand that moving up to High School can bring a mix of emotions," said Middle School Principal Anthony Marturano. “The 8th-Grade Crossing is designed to make this transition feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more welcoming. It helps students put names to faces, become familiar with their new surroundings and feel connected to the people and programs that will support them in the years ahead.”
Authors Bring Stories to Life at the Primary School
At the start of April, Ichabod Crane’s Primary School welcomed author and illustrator David Biedrzycki for a memorable day of storytelling, creativity and inspiration. The visit was organized by the Primary School Literacy Committee and made possible through a generous grant from the Evelyn Bordewick Foundation.
Mr. Biedrzycki presented two exciting sessions – one for kindergarten and first-grade students, and another for second and third graders. His high-energy, multimedia presentation gave students a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process, showing how his story ideas take shape and evolve over time. He even created live digital artwork during his presentation to the 2nd and 3rd grade students, leaving them in awe of how characters come to life on the screen.
"Hosting authors and illustrators like David Biedrzycki offers our students a unique opportunity to connect personally with the creative process behind books," said Primary School Librarian Alanna Moss. “Experiences like these inspire a deeper love of reading, writing and artistic expression at an early age. When they meet the people behind the stories and pictures, it sparks their imagination and shows them that they can be creators too. It’s such a powerful way to build a love of reading and writing!”
Earlier this year, the Primary School also hosted John Farrell, an author and singer/songwriter, continuing a strong tradition of bringing enriching literacy experiences to young learners.
The excitement will continue at the upcoming Authors’ Fair on the night of the school budget vote – May 20. Our Primary School students in grades K–3 will have the chance to meet two more inspiring visitors:
Matthew McElligott, an award-winning author and illustrator of Even Aliens Need Snacks and Benjamin Franklinstein Lives!
Carin Berger, a celebrated author and illustrator whose collage-style artwork delights readers in books such as The Little Yellow Leaf and In The Night Garden.
In addition to the authors visits, our students will also have work on display, which they have spent weeks on preparing in collaboration with their teachers and our amazingly-talented art teacher, Mrs. Rossback. Families are invited to tour the Primary School hallways, admire student-created writing and art projects and purchase books to have signed by the visiting authors in the gymnasium.
We’re proud to continue fostering a love of reading and writing by connecting students with the storytellers and artists who bring books to life.
What's Next in May
May 2, 3: NYSSMA Festival (Pine Plains)
May 6: 25-26 Budget Hearing & Regular Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m., High School Library
May 9: ICTA Super Family Fun Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Middle School Cafeteria and Gymnasium
May 12: Meet the Board of Education Candidates Night, 6 p.m., High School Library
May 13: 5th-Grade Spring Concert, 6:30 p.m., High School Auditorium
May 13: 6th-Grade Spring Concert , 7:30 p.m., High School Auditorium
May 20: 25-26 Budget Vote & Board of Education Election, polls are open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., High School Gymnasium
May 20: Primary School Authors' Fair, 4-6 p.m., Primary School
May 21: 7th/8th-Grade Spring Concert, 6:30 p.m., High School Auditorium
May 22: Giveback Snow/Inclement Weather Day, No School K-12
May 23-26: Memorial Day Recess, No School K-12. District offices are open except on May 26
Dates, times and locations are subject to change.
#ICYMI
🏐 Our annual 8th Grade vs. Middle School Staff volleyball game was a hit once again! The gym was packed, the energy was 🔥 & it was the perfect sendoff into Spring Break!
🌟 Congrats to our recent Riders of the Month at the Middle School and High School -- and to our Primary School students who received Good Character Awards for exemplifying the character trait of RESPECT! 🌟
🚦 Scooter City has been a springtime favorite in Primary School PE for years! Our Lil Riders zoomed around on seated scooters, navigating roads, traffic signs & intersections—thanks to the creative designs of Mr. Cremo and Mr. Call.
This year, staff hosted a special after-school edition and our youngest students had an absolute blast! 💙 The final ride was extra special (and a little bittersweet) as we celebrated Mr. Cremo’s last Scooter City before his retirement at the end of the 24-25 school year.
Thank you, Mr. Cremo, for decades of fun, laughter & unforgettable memories! 🎉
