Greece Central approves updated student code of conduct amid staffing concerns

Greece Central School District trustees voted 8–1 Tuesday to adopt a revised district code of conduct that the administration says clarifies definitions and formalizes a progressive-discipline approach while preserving restorative practices.

Board members heard a presentation from Dr. Baker, who said the committee focused edits on a small set of behaviors where implementation varied across buildings and grade spans. "Our theory of action was if we can help change the verbiage in the code of conduct to be more clear for the implementation that's happening within the schools," Dr. Baker said during the presentation.

The district said the changes aim to make consequences and interventions more consistent. Specific revisions highlighted by the administration include: a clarified distinction between tardy and skipping (tardy defined at 10 minutes); a progressive-discipline model for skipping and for use/possession/sale of drugs; clarified intensities for disruption that map to in-class responses through short- and long-term suspensions; expanded language covering personal electronic devices (including smartwatches); an expanded bystander definition; an explicit trespassing clause for suspended or unauthorized individuals on school property; and revised weapons language defining certain items as "dangerous instruments" while noting not all weapons automatically fall into the state SSEC reporting category. The document also replaces the term "marijuana" with "cannabis," adds a QR code for quick reference, and moves athletic eligibility language to board policy.

Administrators said the document will be presented to staff on opening day and to students during the first week of school; the code of conduct committee will continue to collect implementation data. Superintendent Smalley also told the board the district remains committed to restorative practices even as the district adjusts how that work is staffed and delivered.

Several board members praised the emphasis on consistency and on describing four levels of response tied to impact on other students. Board member Buongorio cited district referral statistics during the discussion, noting that a majority of students have no referrals and that a small share of students account for a large share of disciplinary incidents.

But Board member Mary Farmer said she would not support the measure, citing uncertainty about who will perform functions previously handled by staff positions that have been cut. "I'm concerned that when kids go back to school...these changes are going to impact what is going on within our buildings," Farmer said and announced her no vote.

Vice President Stencil moved the resolution to adopt the code of conduct; Miss Lyke seconded. Roll call vote: 8 in favor, 1 opposed. The board approved the revised code of conduct.

Implementation questions remain: presenters and board members agreed the document can guide discipline systemwide, but several trustees requested follow-up on how lost or reallocated staff responsibilities will be covered and how the district will maintain continuity of restorative practices across buildings. The board’s newly formed code of conduct committee will continue to review implementation and may return recommendations to the full board.

The revised code of conduct and supporting materials will be posted and used for staff and student training in the coming weeks.