The purpose of the Code of Conduct Committee is to provide a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive and district personnel may deliver quality educational services without disruption or interference. Responsible behavior by students, teachers, and other district personnel, parents, and other visitors is essential to achieving that goal. The Committee fulfills this purpose through an annual review of the effectiveness of Board of Education Policy #5300, Code of Conduct, and consideration of whether the Code has been applied fairly and consistently.
Annual Objectives/Priority Areas
The Code of Conduct Committee’s annual objectives and priority areas are as follows:
- Review Code of Conduct guidance from the New York State Education Department for compliance purposes
- Review SAVE legislation requirements, including DASA requirements
- Serve as a conduit for communication on Code of Conduct issues from members of the Board, district staff, students, parents, district taxpayers or other members of the public
- Encourage and sponsor in-service education programs for staff to include training on the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination, social media, supportive school climates, strategies for addressing problems of exclusion, bias, and aggression in educational settings and other topics of interest
- Solicit input from stakeholders on the effectiveness of the Code of Conduct provisions and whether the Code has been applied fairly and consistently
- Recommend revisions to the Code of Conduct to the Superintendent and Board of Education
- Notify Policy Committee to update online Board policy manual in BoardDocs as necessary for Code of Conduct revisions recommended by the Committee after approval of the Board of Education
- Secure the assistance of the public information specialist to promote the Code of Conduct and responsible student, staff, parent and visitor behavior
- Remind principals to schedule Code of Conduct Assemblies for students at the beginning of each school year
- Share Code of Conduct information, best practices and review process with individuals from other school districts as requested
The Purpose of the Athletic Code of Conduct Committee is to review all principles, terms, conditions, requirements, information and provisions outlined in the Athletic Code of Conduct document through the annual review. The goal is to review the effectiveness of the Athletic Code of Conduct and assess whether it is being applied fairly and consistently.
Meeting Schedule
| DATE | TIME | LOCATION | MINUTES |
| October 30, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. | Central Admin | |
| March 19, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | Central Admin |
Membership Representation
- Dr. Kurtis Kotes, Superintendent of Schools
- Rob Marchiony, Board of Education
- Ryan Jones, Director of Athletics
- Michael Harkin, Principal Columbia High School
- Sean Leggett, Athletic Trainer
- Courteny Hotaling, Athletic Coach
- Audra DiBacco, Athletic Coach
- Christopher Hosley, Athletic Coach
- Nicole Conte, Athletic Coach
- Lisa Johnas, Athletic Coach
- Christopher Ciccone, Athletic Coach
- 8-10 Student Athletes – Grades 9-12
- 2 Parents (This membership changes annually and is based on availability)