Batavia OKs updated Code of Conduct; high school to require backpacks, blankets in lockers

The Batavia City School District Board of Education approved revisions to the 2024-25 Code of Conduct that include reinstating a high-school rule requiring personal items to be kept in lockers before first period.

Administrators held a public hearing to review proposed language changes that would change the Code of Conduct wording from students being "expected" to place coats and bags in lockers to being "required" to do so at Batavia High School. The proposal, driven by a recent safety incident, would require students to place coats, blankets, backpacks and bags in lockers before first period; students with documented needs could seek an exemption under a Section 504 plan or comparable medical accommodation.

Miss West, speaking for school administration, said the district's safety committee'which includes administrators, teachers, security aides and local police'unanimously recommended the change. She said the school has six minutes of passing time between classes and staff will provide extra support and locker reminders during the first week or two of implementation. The administration also plans signage, extra locker keys for staff, and staff assistance during the transition.

Students and parents spoke during the public hearing. One student speaker told the board the policy felt "inconvenient" and that carrying materials made class transitions easier for some schedules; the principal acknowledged the concern but said the change is intended as a safety measure and a practical step short of security detectors. A parent said she supported the change after hearing from staff, security and police involved in the safety committee.

After the public hearing the board voted to close the hearing and later approved "the 2024-25 BCSD Code of Conduct with revisions as presented, effective immediately." The transcript shows the motion and second and a voice vote recorded as "All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? K." No roll-call tallies were included in the public record.

The adopted language replaces "students are expected to place coats in backpacks and bags in their lockers before the 1st period of the day" with language making that practice required and explicitly adding "blankets and coverings." Administrators said the policy would take effect immediately with an implementation period that emphasizes staff assistance and allowances for documented medical needs.

Clarifying details: the administration said passing time between classes is six minutes; medical exemptions would be handled through a 504 plan or other documented accommodations; implementation will include posters, extra locker keys for staff, hall monitors and a supported transition period. The record did not disclose a specific enforcement matrix or disciplinary consequences for noncompliance beyond the promise of a supportive rollout.

Votes at a glance: The board approved the Code of Conduct revisions by voice vote; no roll-call tally was read into the public record.