Code of Conduct

The district is committed to providing an orderly, respectful environment that is conducive to learning. To create and maintain this kind of an environment, it is necessary to regulate public conduct on school property and at school functions. For purposes of this section of the Code of Conduct, “public” shall mean all persons when on school property or attending a school function including students, teachers, and district personnel.

The restrictions of public conduct on school property and at school functions contained in this Code of Conduct are not intended to limit freedom of speech or peaceful assembly. The district recognizes that free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the objectives of the district. The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to maintain public order and prevent abuse of the rights of others.

All persons on school property or attending a school function shall conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner. In addition, all persons on school property or attending a school function are expected to be properly attired for the purpose of which they are on school property. 

No person, either alone or with others, shall:

1. Intentionally injure any person or threaten to do so.
2. Intentionally damage or destroy (including graffiti and arson) district property or the personal property of a teacher, administrator, other district employee or any person lawfully on school property.
3. Disrupt the orderly conduct of classes, school programs or other school activities.
4. Display, distribute or wear materials on school grounds or at school functions that are obscene, advocate illegal action, appear libelous, obstruct the rights of others or are disruptive to the school program.
5. Use language that is inappropriate for a school community.
6. Intimidate, harass or discriminate against any person on the basis of factors which include, but are not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender/gender identity or age.
7. Enter any portion of the school premises without authorization or remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed.
8. Obstruct the free movement of any person in any place to which this Code of Conduct applies.
9. Violate the traffic laws, parking regulations or other restrictions on vehicles.
10. Possess, consume, sell, distribute or exchange alcoholic products or beverages, controlled substances, or be under the influence of either on school property or at a school function.
11. Possess or use weapons in or on school property or at a school function, except in the case of law enforcement officers or except as specifically authorized by the school district.
12. Loiter on or about school property.
13. Gamble on school property or at school functions.
14. Refuse to comply with any reasonable order of identifiable school district officials performing their duties.
15. Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts prohibited by this Code of Conduct.
16. Violate any federal or state statute, local ordinance or board policy while on school property or while at a school function.
17. Possess a skateboard and hoverboard on school property.

Persons who violate this Code of Conduct shall be subject to the following penalties:

1. Visitors shall have their authorization, if any, to remain on school grounds or at the school function withdrawn and they shall be directed to leave the premises. If they refuse to leave, they shall be subject to arrest.
2. Students shall be subject to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant, in accordance with the due process requirements.
3. Tenured faculty members shall be subject to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant in accordance with Education Law §3020 and/or any other legal rights that they may hold.
4. Staff members in the classified service of the civil service entitled to the protection of Civil Service Law §75 shall be subject to immediate ejection and to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant in accordance with Civil Service Law §75 or any other legal rights that they may hold.
5. Staff members other than those described in subdivisions 3 and 4 shall be subject to warning, reprimand, suspension or dismissal as the facts may warrant in accordance with any legal rights they may hold.

The building principal/designee has the overall responsibility to ensure the Code of Conduct is enforced within their building or for conduct which have a nexus to the school environment. When the Code of Conduct is being violated, the prohibited conduct should be addressed and corrected.

If the person refuses to correct the prohibited conduct, the person should be warned of the consequences. If the person’s conduct poses an immediate threat, the person should be removed from school property or the school function. If necessary, local law enforcement will be contacted to assist in removing the person.

The district shall initiate disciplinary action against any student or staff member, as appropriate, with the “Penalties” listed in the section above. In addition, the district reserves its right to pursue a civil or criminal legal action against any person violating the Code of Conduct.