Ichabod Crane CSD Sets Vision, Prepares for Capital Project Referendum 2025
The Ichabod Crane Central School District is moving forward with plans for the next phase of facilities improvements through the Capital Project Referendum 2025. This initiative builds on the success of the 2018 Capital Project and focuses on addressing aging infrastructure, supporting future-focused instructional and facilities goals and aligning with the district’s strategic plans, including the new ICCSD Instructional Program Vision and Rider Goals 2027.
Since September, district leadership has collaborated with stakeholders from the Primary, Middle and High Schools, as well as Operations and Athletics, to review items deferred from the 2018 project, identify critical infrastructure needs and evaluate how spaces must advance to support future-forward teaching and learning.
“Education is evolving and our ability to support student success relies on having facilities that meet modern needs. With upcoming debt being paid off, we have a unique opportunity to invest in our schools while minimizing the tax impact,” said Business Manager Michael Brennan. “We are committed to addressing critical, long-deferred needs through a phased approach. This strategy ensures we tackle urgent priorities now while planning sustainably for the future with extensive community input.”
In 2018, the community approved a referendum that delivered significant upgrades to our three-building campus. This initiative included extensive renovations and construction, enhancing academic programs, athletics, health and safety, and overall infrastructure. Highlights of the project include the addition of the High School’s STEAM wing, renovations to the Middle School wings, the complete transformation of the Middle School gymnasium and safety upgrades to our greeter stations.
Building on that progress, the 2025 Referendum will be guided by the ICCSD Instructional Program Vision and Rider Goals 2027, both developed in 2024 with extensive input from students, staff, families and residents. This next phase aims to create spaces that foster the skills and competencies outlined in our Portrait of a Rider.
“Our students, both during their time at Ichabod Crane and beyond, are problem solvers, responsible tech users, change-makers and community-minded individuals. The next phase of capital improvements is rooted in designing spaces that advance the Instructional Program Vision, allow for innovation, collaboration, and are responsive to the ideas shared by our students, staff and community for the future of learning and facilities at Ichabod Crane,” said Superintendent Marie Digirolamo. “Our phased approach to capital investments will ensure our students thrive in environments that inspire their passions and prepare them for the future. This referendum continues our progress while remaining aligned with our long-term goals and commitment to fiscal responsibility.”
Capital Project Referendum 2025 launched this fall with initial stakeholder meetings where students and staff discussed program needs and explored ways our learning spaces could better support those needs. Based on these conversations, district leaders met to discuss and consolidate the feedback into a preliminary potential scope for the next capital project.
This winter, conversations will continue with architects and stakeholders to gain deeper insights into the specific needs of each space and begin developing conceptual designs.
As with past projects, community engagement remains essential, with input from students, staff and community members shaping the final plan.
The Capital Project Referendum 2025 represents the next step in Ichabod Crane’s mission to provide innovative, forward-thinking learning environments.
Resources and Publications
- Recording of Nov. 12, 2024 Board of Education Meeting, where leadership presented about the referendum planning.
- Capital Project Referendum 2025 digital presentation
- Register Star article: Ichabod Crane starts process for capital project, first in seven years