RIDER REPORT

As we approach the upcoming 2024-25 Budget Vote and Board of Education Election, I wanted to take the opportunity to provide some details about the extensive collaborative efforts that have shaped our proposed budget for the next fiscal year.

Over the past several months, Ichabod Crane faculty, staff and the Board of Education have worked diligently to craft a spending plan that prioritizes the needs of our students and staff while maintaining all current positions and programming.

On April 23, the Board of Education approved the proposed budget, paving the way for the budget to be presented to district residents for a vote on May 21.

In this edition of the Rider Report, we delve into the details of the proposed budget, highlighting its support for five positions previously funded by federal grants that play pivotal roles in our district's operations.

Additionally, we take a moment to celebrate the ongoing generosity of our Rider community. From a recent donation to Astronomers Without Borders by our students and staff to the meaningful connections forged at the 2024 Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony, our community continues to inspire and uplift one another.

We also shine a spotlight on our district-based volunteer groups, whose dedication and contributions are invaluable to the success of our district.

As we move closer to the budget vote and election, I encourage all members of our community to stay informed and engaged. Your support and involvement are essential as we work together to ensure the continued success of Ichabod Crane CSD.

Articles in the edition:

• 2024 Budget Vote & BOE Election

• ICC Donates to Astronomers Without Borders

• WOF Ceremony Unites Past and Present Inductees

• Music Dept and High School Earn National Recognition
  

• Celebrating Our District-Based Volunteer Groups

• What’s Next in May

• #ICYMI

On May 21, polls open at 8 a.m. in the High School Gymnasium for district residents to cast their votes for the 2024-25 proposed budget and school board members.

The Board of Education adopted a proposed 2024-25 budget of $50,187,013 – reflecting a 3.29% increase from this year’s budget, with an estimated tax levy increase of 2.95%.

This budget maintains current staffing levels and programs, including five positions previously funded by federal grants: High School AIS teacher, literacy coach, school psychologist, school counselor and K-12 social worker.

Over four years, the district used federal grants to explore ways to strengthen our academic and social-emotional support systems. Following thorough deliberation, we added the five positions listed above.

“The proposed budget truly puts our students and staff first,” Superintendent Marie Digirolamo said. “Together, the Board of Education and district faculty and staff crafted a spending plan that exemplifies our dedication to preserving the support positions and systems essential for the success and well-being of our students and staff.”

We have a dedicated Budget page on our website, where you have access to all the documents and presentations from this budget season. It is a valuable resource full of information.

Also on May 21, three candidates – Valerie Spensieri, Cal Waits and Anne Schaefer – are vying for three Board of Education seats. Learn more about them on our 2024 candidates information page.

The annual budget hearing is May 7, 7 p.m., and the Meet the Candidates Night, May 15, 6 p.m. – both held at the High School.

Also, keep an eye out for the annual budget newsletter, which will be sent in the mail to every district resident. The annual publication will also be posted on the website a week before the vote.

During April, our K-12 Music Department and High School received national recognition for their steadfast commitment to educating students at Ichabod Crane CSD.

The NAMM Foundation honored our district with the Best Communities for Music Education designation for its exceptional dedication to music education.

In its 25th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is conferred upon districts demonstrating outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students.

To qualify, school districts answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs.

ICCSD currently has 14 performing ensembles, spanning grades 4-12.

Amy Giammattei, Ichabod’s Music Department Team and Curriculum Leader, underscored the significance of music education at ICC, saying, “Participating in our music program not only helps improve academic skills but also nurtures important social-emotional skills like teamwork, empathy and self-expression. As our students practice and perform music, they develop resilience and perseverance, learning how to overcome challenges and build confidence in themselves. Our students are gaining valuable life skills that will benefit them both now and in the future.”

Furthermore, Ichabod Crane High School was named a U.S. News Best High School. In the 2024 Best High School rankings released recently by U.S. News, our High School achieved high national and metro-area rankings. By earning a national ranking in the top 40%, Ichabod Crane achieved status as a U.S. News Best High School.

This is an achievement that highlights the strength of the Ichabod team and should be celebrated by every member of our faculty and staff, K-12.

The 2024 edition includes a numerical ranking of nearly all public high schools nationwide – almost 18,000 of them – based on multiple sources of objective data.

“I am always proud of our students and staff. Their dedication and hard work combined with our supportive community help all of our students to continue to make strides toward achieving their goals,” High School Principal Craig Shull said. “I hope our entire Rider community can take pride in this achievement.”

The Ichabod Crane CSD is so grateful for all the district-based volunteer groups made up of individuals who provide many opportunities for our students, both during and outside of school days.

During Volunteer Appreciation Week, we expressed our heartfelt appreciation to volunteers from groups like the ICC PTA, Booster Club, TEMPO and the district's internal safety net programs. They were honored at a celebration held at the High School before April's regular meeting of the BOE.

“Their partnership is key in providing the rich academic program and support systems that our students and families have come to rely upon. We recognize that our district-based volunteer groups are just one piece of the many volunteers that help make Ichabod great,” Superintendent Marie Digirolamo said.

Crystal First, PTA social media coordinator and district parent, expressed gratitude on behalf of the PTA: "We are so grateful for the district’s recognition. Our group is here to support all students and families in grades K-8 by being a reliable source of information for our community and hosting many events, such as Race to Read. None of our work would be possible without our dedicated volunteers, as well the strong collaborative relationship we have with district leaders and staff.”