The Ithaca school board voted 5–4 to extend Superintendent Luvelle Brown’s contract through 2029, sparking frustration from parents, teachers, and community members, according to The Ithaca Voice.
The tense vote followed nearly an hour of public comment — all opposing the extension — and comes amid criticism of Brown’s leadership, including rising district spending, lagging academic performance, and stalled teacher contract negotiations. The agenda was posted just 24 hours before the meeting, drawing further complaints about transparency.
Supporters on the board said the extension ensures leadership stability during coming budget and enrollment changes. Brown, who had previously said he wouldn’t seek renewal past 2028, did not speak at the meeting.