The Ithaca City School District (ICSD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Caren Arnold as the new principal of Ithaca High School, effective June 15, 2025. Arnold, currently the principal of Caroline Elementary School, brings over three decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to student engagement, equity, and academic excellence to her new role.
Arnold began her career in education in 1993 as a speech and language therapist, serving in that role for six years before transitioning to an elementary teaching position, which she held for 23 years. In the 2019-2020 school year, she took on an administrative internship at Northeast Elementary School.
In 2020, Arnold was appointed Director of Student Activities and Engagement at Ithaca High School while also serving as Project Lead Manager for Canvas, the district’s secondary school learning management system. In 2021, Arnold transitioned to an associate principal position at Ithaca High School before taking the lead at Caroline Elementary School the following year. As principal, she has been committed to creating equitable systems for all students, and her leadership has been defined by kindness, compassion, and a commitment to building a strong and inclusive community.
“Caren Arnold is one of the longest-serving, most loving, and most exceptional employee in our school district,” Superintendent Luvelle Brown said.
Returning to Ithaca High School as principal, Arnold aims to strengthen student engagement, support teachers and staff, and enhance academic opportunities for all learners. Her leadership will align with the ICSD’s mission to engage, educate, and empower students through a culture of thinking, collaboration, and achievement.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to Ithaca High School in this new role and to reconnect with the incredible students, families, and staff who make this community so special,” Arnold said. “I am committed to building upon the academic excellence that Ithaca is known for while ensuring that every student feels valued, heard, and supported. I look forward to working alongside our educators, students, and families to explore new ways for students to demonstrate their learning, create meaningful pathways to graduation, and have their voices shape their educational journey. Together, we will help every student find their purpose and thrive in this ever-changing world.”
Arnold has two grown children, Molly and Mason, both graduates of Dryden High School who attended TST BOCES’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Outside of school, she enjoys kayaking, camping, hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with her partner, Joe, as well as friends and family.
Arnold will succeed Jason Trumble, who has led Ithaca High School for over 10 years, and Martha Hardesty, who currently serves as the school’s interim principal. Both will retire at the end of this school year.
The ICSD congratulates Arnold on her new appointment and looks forward to her continued leadership and contributions to the district.