Board approves code of conduct, Richmond Library project, improvement plans and change‑order authority

At a Batavia City School District board meeting, members approved several routine and substantive items, including adoption of the 2025–26 code of conduct, permission for the Richmond Library project to proceed, approval of district and school comprehensive plans for 2025–26, and a resolution authorizing the superintendent to execute change orders up to $35,000 per item.

The board first approved a grouped set of consent items (items F through K) on a motion called by a board member and a second; the board chair called for an audio vote and members responded "Aye." When asked about surplus funds in the financial reports, a staff member said surplus funds are transferred to reserves or appropriated to offset next year's appropriations; an "appropriate fund balance" of $2.5 million was cited.

On the code of conduct, the board moved and seconded adoption of the 2025–26 BCSD code of conduct with revisions presented by Superintendent Smith. The revisions include an explicit line about phone release: confiscated phones would be released to an adult authorized by the parent or guardian, with principal or assistant principal permission. The board approved the code of conduct by voice vote; members responded "Aye."

The Richmond Library Grama Project received board permission to proceed. Board materials state the project, funded through a grama source, will improve ADA compliance in restrooms, adjust stairways to provide an area of refuge and complete finishes; the board previously approved an environmental review. The board granted permission to the library to move ahead and approved that motion by voice vote.

The district comprehensive improvement plan and the middle-school comprehensive education plan for 2025–26 were presented as required by the State Education Department and approved after brief explanation by Dr. Corey, who said plans emphasize deeper PLC work and supports for identified subgroups.

The board also passed a change‑order authorization resolution giving the superintendent authority to execute change orders and allowance authorizations for all project phases up to a $35,000 per‑order limit; items above that threshold must be returned to the board with explanation. That resolution passed on a motion and second followed by a voice vote.

Finally, the board moved into executive session to discuss personnel and collective negotiations matters under Article 14 of the Civil Service Law; the motion to enter executive session passed and the board did not return to public session.

Why it matters: the code-of-conduct changes will affect day‑to‑day handling of student devices; change‑order authority smooths construction project administration up to a $35,000 threshold; approval of the improvement plans is a state requirement that guides instructional priorities.

Ending: Most votes were taken by voice and recorded as "Aye" in the meeting; the transcript does not include roll‑call tallies or recorded no/abstain votes.