ELMIRA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT:
Kelly Hall
Public Information Coordinator
Elmira City School District
951 Hoffman Street
Elmira, NY 14905
(607) 735-3091
khall@elmiracityschools.com

PRESS RELEASE
Code of Conduct Violation
For Immediate Release:

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Friday, January 30 2015, — On Sunday, January 25 , the Elmira City School District was made
aware that a number of Elmira City School District students were present at an underage drinking
party.
Our school district investigated these claims. In conducting this investigation, we learned that 12
Elmira City School District athletes were present at this party.
Athletes that were confirmed to be at the party received a disciplinary suspension in accordance with
our district Code of Conduct, which is approved by the Board of Education as a district policy.
The determination of the Code of Conduct violation was made by our Athletics Director and in the
administration of these consequences, our Athletics Director was upholding the existing Board of
Education policy and the consequences included in this policy.
The policy outlined below states that there is an opportunity for appeal presented to an athletic review
committee by the athlete. This committee consisted of five district employees representing various
roles within our organization.
“A student may appeal the initial determination by requesting a review in writing, delivered to the
office of the principal or athletic director, within 5 days of the determination…No person responsible
for the initial determination may decide the appeal, but may participate in the review process.”
Numerous parents and families of the implicated students chose to appeal the decision implemented
by our Athletics Director.
An appeals process took place on Thursday afternoon and the decision of the appeals committee
came back Thursday evening. The committee overturned the decision of our Athletics Director for
nine athletes. They upheld the suspensions for two athletes and one athlete chose not to appeal,
which was in accordance with the Board of Education approved district Code of Conduct.
“The Elmira City School District strives to hold its athletes to a high standard of behavioral and
academic performance. This process has been challenging for our student athletes, their families, and
district personnel.” – Hillary Austin, Superintendent of Schools.

"The Elmira City School District is a dynamic and innovative learning organization dedicated to developing learners of character who value their
educational experience and can compete globally and contribute locally by collaborating with students, families, and community partners to
provide meaningful opportunities in a safe and engaging environment for all."

ELMIRA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT • WWW.ELMIRACITYSCHOOLS.COM