Graphic Reads: 2025 LACS Principal Search Community Input Survey

2025 Lehman Alternative Community School Leadership Search

ICSD Communications

April 7, 2025

The search for the next principal of Lehman Alternative Community School (LACS) is officially underway! To ensure that the selected candidate reflects the school’s core values and vision, we are seeking input from the entire community. Your voice matters and we encourage you to participate! The stakeholder survey is now open and will remain open until April 18, 2025. See below for additional opportunities to share your hopes and vision for the next principal. 

POSITION: SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
SEARCH TIMELINE: April 1 – May 30, 2025

The Ithaca City School District is launching a search for the next principal of Lehman Alternative Community School (LACS), with the goal of confirming an appointment by June 1, 2025. In close collaboration with LACS stakeholders, this process will be inclusive and aligned with the school’s core values: alternative education approaches, community involvement, and democratic governance.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

  • Surveys (April 7-18): Surveys will be distributed to staff, students, caregivers, and community stakeholders to gather input on the desired qualities and priorities for the next principal.

  • Focus Groups (April 21-30): Structured meetings will be held with various stakeholders to explore the school's values and expectations for leadership in more depth.

  • Confidential Interviews (April 28 – May 9): A committee of stakeholders will interview selected candidates and provide feedback to the superintendent on their alignment with LACS's philosophies, including student-led governance, alternative assessment methods, and emphasis on community service.

TIMELINE

  • April 4: The position will be posted on the district website during this week

  • April 7: Launch of the principal search process document and distribution of stakeholder surveys

  • April 18: Deadline for survey submissions

  • April 21 – May 30: Focus group meetings with stakeholders

  • April 28-May 9: Confidential interview sessions with selected candidates

  • May 26: Anticipated superintendent recommendation of final candidate to the Board of Education


Each member of the LACS community is invited to participate in this search process to ensure the next principal embodies the school's unique values and commitment to innovative and high-quality teaching and learning.