NY classroom heat cap law starts this fall
Starting September 1, New York public schools must follow a new law limiting classroom temperatures to 88 degrees, with 82 degrees considered an “extreme heat condition,” prompting required action from school leaders. Districts must develop ... more
Auburn school district plans $7.2M emergency upgrade
Auburn school district residents will vote in May on a $7.2 million emergency project to replace failing ventilation systems in four elementary schools, according to The Citizen. The project targets about 100 unit ventilators that ... more
Southern Cayuga unveils new Falcons mascot logo
The Southern Cayuga Central School District has introduced the official logo for its new mascot, the Falcons, following a community vote, according to district officials. The red-themed logo will be gradually rolled out in the ... more
Education officials warn against weakening private school standards
New York’s Education Department is urging lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul not to weaken oversight rules for religious and private schools in secret budget talks, amid attempts to soften academic standards, according to officials. Some ... more
Newfield schools, Cornell launch community survey project
The Newfield Central School District has teamed up with Cornell University for a research project aimed at strengthening ties between schools and the community, according to district officials. Residents are encouraged to complete a short, ... more
Keuka College offers no-cost graduate degrees in effort to ease provider shortage
Keuka College is joining the push to address New York’s healthcare worker shortage with a bold new offer: free graduate degrees in nursing and social work for students willing to serve underserved communities. The College ... more
Ithaca schools propose modest budget increase amid funding concerns
The Ithaca City School District unveiled a $169 million budget proposal for 2025–2026, reflecting a 3.6% increase in spending over last year, according to school officials. The plan avoids major cuts or new programs, relying ... more
Williamson and Marion school boards pause merger study, shift focus to shared services
Leaders from Williamson and Marion school districts have decided not to move forward with an official merger study for now, instead turning their attention to exploring shared services and collaboration. In a letter released Thursday, ... more
Dundee Central School unveils $28M capital project with no tax increase
The Dundee Central School District is asking voters to approve a sweeping $28 million capital improvement project that would modernize outdated infrastructure while avoiding any tax increase. The district announced the proposal on March 20, ... more
Dansville voters approve $5.8M school project
Dansville Central School District voters have overwhelmingly approved a $5.8 million capital project to upgrade the Dansville Primary School. The plan, funded primarily through state building aid, will not raise local taxes. With 88% voter ... more
TC3 seeks community input on new strategic plan
Tompkins Cortland Community College is gathering public feedback for its 2025-28 strategic plan through an online survey available until early April. The plan will focus on accountability, innovation, career development, and inclusivity. Michelle Nightingale, TC3’s ... more
Michael Kotlikoff named new Cornell president: What his appointment means
Cornell University has officially named Michael I. Kotlikoff its 15th president as of March 21, 2025, following his interim leadership since July 2024. A seasoned academic leader and longtime Cornell faculty member, Kotlikoff brings decades ... more
Alumni-led group wants to reopen Wells College: Petition gains hundreds of signatures
As Wells College approaches a full-year since shutting down due to financial hardships, The Cleveland Commission for Wells, an alumni-led initiative, has opened up about its plan to reopen the school and return it to ... more
NYSUT pushes ‘bell-to-bell’ cellphone ban in schools to boost student focus and well-being
As state budget talks intensify, New York's largest teachers union is making a loud and unified push for a policy it says could transform classrooms across the state: a full-day ban on student cellphone use ... more
Moravia school district settles decades-old abuse case
The Moravia Central School District has reached a confidential settlement with a former student who accused the district of failing to prevent his sexual abuse by an elementary school principal in the 1980s. According to ... more
Marion and Williamson schools hold merger public info session (webcast)
The Marion and Williamson school districts in Wayne County are considering reorganizing. A public meeting was held earlier this week with additional sessions planned in the coming weeks. The meeting was streamed on YouTube and ... more
Community reaction mixed to merger talks in Marion, Williamson school districts
School boards from the Marion Central School District and Williamson Central School District unanimously approved moving forward with a feasibility study to explore potential district reorganization at a joint public meeting held on March 18 ... more
Debate over NY school phone ban intensifies as budget nears
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $13.5 million proposal to ban cell phones in K-12 public schools remains a hot topic as the state budget deadline approaches. While the teachers' union supports a full ban, the State Senate ... more
Tompkins Build program offers pathway into construction careers
Tompkins Build – Pathways to Apprenticeship is launching in Tompkins County, providing high school graduates and career changers with hands-on training for well-paying union construction jobs. Participants earn wages while gaining industry certifications and essential ... more
