ICSD administration has announced that, beginning in the 2026-27 school year, class periods at IHS will be 52 minutes and 38.6 seconds, rather than the current length of 47 minutes. This decision follows ICSD’s agreement with the Ithaca Teachers Association to extend the school day by fifteen minutes at the high school level and thirty minutes at the elementary school level. According to the current Superintendent, Dr. Luvelle Brown, “this change will enhance the student learning experience, as well as student confusion.”
In the new schedule, passing periods will be shortened to 1 minute and 31.3 seconds. The number was decided upon because it was the amount of time that it took Ithaca Track and Field’s top sprinters to run from K-Building to Kulp Auditorium. Sensibly, the administration concluded that if Ithaca’s fastest sprinters can cover the distance between classes in less than two minutes, students carrying backpacks obviously can, too.
Despite the increase in class length, Universal Lunch will be shortened to 34 minutes and 57.7 seconds. This number was chosen to maximize randomness, while minimizing socialization. When asked about the threat to students’ mental health that might be caused by reducing socialization, a district official responded that “at least the students can bond over their hatred of the new schedule. You know, studies show that having a common enemy is good for socialization.” The official declined to cite specific studies.
Schedules will also change at other schools. For example, at district elementary schools, lunch will be shortened by as much as 3 minutes and 22𝜋√7/9 seconds. In addition to increasing the amount of time available for learning, this is also expected to increase math fluency.
To implement these changes, ICSD is investing in atomic clocks in all schools. The accuracy of these clocks will allow all periods to be exactly the right length, down to the nano-second. This is expected to cost the district an estimated 1.65 million dollars, which will be deducted from the budgetary allocations for teacher salaries. In the words of Dr. Brown, “teachers are valuable, but time is priceless.”
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