ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Cornell University is increasing its voluntary contribution to the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) by 30%.

According to the Cornell Chronicle, ICSD will now receive $650,000 a year, up from $500,000. The increase comes after recent discussions with ICSD Superintendent Luvelle Brown and Cornell leadership, and about halfway through an existing 5-year agreement.

“We are pleased to be able to provide this additional support for the Ithaca City School District’s important operations,” said Cornell President Martha Pollack. “By increasing and extending assistance to the district, we are helping to mitigate ongoing, significant demands on the district’s budget and helping to ensure a strong school system, which is vital to the larger community, including Cornell.”

The funding is unrestricted, meaning it can be used as needed in any of the district’s 12 schools in the city and town of Ithaca, Cayuga Heights, Caroline, and Enfield.

“These funds will help to maintain a strong K-12 school system, which is so essential for our community and a vital asset for faculty, staff, postdocs, and graduate students considering a move to Ithaca to join Cornell,” said Provost Michael Kotlikoff.

A commitment at the new contribution level of $650,000 annually runs through June of 2031. ICSD Superintendent Luvelle Brown says wants to address staffing shortages.

“The senior leadership at Cornell University has been very supportive of our school district’s endeavors,” said Brown. “I hope to allocate this most recent generous financial contribution toward our targeted efforts to retain excellent employees across our organization.