Superintendent Tim Seymour outlines proposed dress-code and corporal-punishment edits at public hearing

Superintendent Tim Seymour opened a public hearing on revisions to the Lake Placid Central School District code of conduct, telling the board the district recommends two substantive edits.

"The specific change is to prohibit students from wearing coats and outerwear inside the building during the school day," Seymour said, explaining the measure is meant to reduce concealment risks linked to large winter coats. He also described a second recommended change "to clarify in 5300.55 that corporal punishment does not include the use of physical restraint when necessary as a last resort to protect a student or others." Seymour said these updates are part of the district's annual review to remain compliant with New York State requirements.

The Chair relayed parent questions raised earlier about hoodies and deep front pockets. The Chair said parents wondered whether the ban would cover hoodies, noting that some students wear extra-large hoodies with deep pockets. Seymour acknowledged any outerwear could be used to conceal items but said the proposed change focused on coats after the district saw a recent trend of large winter coats at the high school; he also noted the district historically prohibited hoods but allowed hoodies.

No public comments were recorded during the hearing. The board did not vote on the specific code changes during the meeting; Seymour said the public hearing is part of the review process and the district will follow statutory steps before adopting changes.

The proposed edits were presented alongside statutory requirements for annual review under New York education law and the SAVE Act. The board closed the code-of-conduct hearing and moved on to the district safety-plan hearing later in the meeting.