Update from the Cazenovia BOE

Good Afternoon, We are writing to respond to the frequently asked question as to why former Board member Traivs (Barr) Longo was not removed from the Board of Education prior to his resignation on Monday, June 22, 2026. This Board has been diligent in observing the behavior and conduct of Mr. (Barr) Longo as well as any and all Board members when their actions implicate their conduct as role models. As a result of these observations we sought his potential removal following the release of the Halloween Instagram drag video, in which he was depicted. We also want to make it clear that the Board does not condone the statements or behavior depicted in the Halloween video that was posted. We found the content to be abhorrent and entirely contrary to the values and standards we hold for our district. However, once a Board member is elected and sworn in they are legally protected in the role.  Upon receipt of the video, the Board immediately engaged legal counsel to thoroughly investigate this matter and explore all avenues for accountability. Investigations were conducted confidentially which is why the public was unaware of our efforts to remove him. Below is a summary of our findings and the legal realities that dictated the subsequent steps that were taken. Given the rights of an elected official, many details are not able to be shared as they are privileged and confidential. Upon reviewing the video with legal counsel, Mr. (Barr) Longo was interviewed and stated that he was performing as an actor and asserted that the video was not a personal expression of his own beliefs. From a strict legal perspective, our counsel advised the following:  While the statements made were offensive, counsel determined they were protected under the First Amendment as a form of personal expression. Because the video met legal standards under free speech protections, legal counsel advised the Board that the video itself was not a legally actionable offense. Therefore, the Board could not bring formal charges based on its content. As an elected official (not appointed by the Board), a Board of Education member cannot simply be fired or voted off the Board by their peers, nor can they be disciplined. By state law, there are only three ways a Board member can be removed from office: Resignation:  The member chooses to step down voluntarily.  This is what Mr. (Barr) Longo ultimately did this on Monday, June 22, 2026. Formal Charges:  Bringing the member up on formal charges of official misconduct, which must meet strict, actionable legal thresholds. With the help of counsel, we were advised that it did not meet the legal threshold. If unsubstantiated allegations were made, a defamation suit could jeopardize the financial stability of the district. Removal by the Commissioner:  The State Commissioner of Education orders the removal based on a severe, proven violation of law or neglect of duty. This is a long, slow process, and is quite rare. Given the legal counsel we received regarding the First Amendment, options two and three were not legally viable based solely on the Halloween video. In the subsequent months, the Board launched a second investigation to determine if there were alternative contractual or policy grounds for removal based upon his frequent absences. By policy and law, Board members are required to attend all Board meetings. We specifically reviewed Board policy regarding attendance, which states that a member can be removed if they miss three consecutive meetings.  Our legal counsel and the Board thoroughly reviewed Mr. (Barr) Longo’s attendance record against this policy to see if a removal process could be initiated on these grounds. Unfortunately, the strict criteria required by our policy and state regulations to trigger removal via consecutive absences was not met. It should also be noted as people have raised the question, Board of Education members do not have access to students, nor their personally identifiable information, including address, phone numbers, etc. We realize this news is incredibly frustrating. As a Board, we often find ourselves bound by rigid legal frameworks, even when a situation feels profoundly wrong on a human and community level. We want to state unequivocally, the Board is shocked, devastated and furious about the actions of former Board member Mr. (Barr) Longo. It has had a massive impact on the child, their family, and our community. We understand and share the deep frustration, anger, and hurt this situation has caused within our community. Please know that we remain fully committed to ensuring our schools are safe and welcoming environments for all students and families. We will continue to uphold these values in every decision we make. We thank you for your ongoing passion, vigilance, and dedication to our students. Cazenovia Central School Board of Education

Wednesday, Jun 24 2026

Update

Good evening, As we continue to navigate through the impact of recent events in our community, I want to share a few brief updates on our ongoing efforts to maintain a calm, secure, and supportive school environment for our students and staff during these final days of the school year.   I’m sure the students are excited because we are almost there! The District has received an influx of angry and unsettling messages from individuals primarily outside of our community since this began receiving national media coverage. Today, these messages from outside of our community picked up in volume and intensity. I want to reassure you that we are working directly with law enforcement (Cazenovia PD, Madison County Sheriffs Office, and State Troopers) to share these communications so they can be monitored and addressed. The messages are unsettling, but there has not been a threat to the school or any individuals. There is no greater priority than the safety and peace of mind of our school community. Out of an abundance of caution, you will continue to see an increased and visible police presence in and around our school buildings. This presence is not in response to any specific threat to our campuses, but is intended to continue to provide a layer of security so that our students and families can focus on celebrating their hard work at our year-end ceremonies. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our local and state law enforcement partners for their unbelievable support, and responsiveness. They have worked hand in hand with us to ensure that our campuses feel safe and supported. Most importantly, now is the time for us to come together. This is an incredibly challenging moment for Cazenovia, but we are always stronger together. By leaning on one another, focusing on the well-being of our children, and uniting as a community, I know we will get through this together. Kevin

Tuesday, Jun 23 2026

Update from the Cazenovia BOE

Dear Cazenovia Community Members, Travis (Barr) Longo’s involvement in many local organizations shows how deeply betrayed our entire community is in the wake of his arrest on June 18. A public school is bound by NYS Education Law, and in 2024 Travis was elected by the voters of our district to a three-year seat. Our board is a seven-member body, through which decisions are made by consensus. No one member has more authority than another, including a VP. Travis became VP while still on good terms with his fellow board members under the guise of representation and goodwill. The remaining board members had no authority to demand his resignation or pursue his removal until now. Our school has been betrayed as much as any other organization in our community with which he was involved. Questions have been asked about how much interaction board members have with students in school. To answer that, here are a few key points: School board members do not have access to any database with students’ Personally Identifiable Information (PII). School board members do not have access to students during the instructional day or on school grounds, with the exception of scheduled school tours, which are led directly by the Superintendent.  While school board members may occasionally serve on district committees that include students, these meetings are also attended by district leadership and are not student-facing roles. This morning we are writing to provide another update regarding the status of Travis’s involvement on the Cazenovia Board of Education. Following the Board of Education’s special meeting on Monday, June 22, at 7:33 P.M., Travis (Barr) Longo submitted his official resignation from his seat, effective immediately. As stated in last night’s update, a resignation is the most efficient option thus precluding the necessity to seek his removal by other means in accordance with NYS Education Law, which was the sole objective of last night’s special meeting. Thank you to our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners and investigators for their swift, thorough, and highly professional response to this situation. We are incredibly grateful for their vigilance and ongoing dedication to keeping our community safe. Thank you to Superintendent Linck for his steadfast partnership and leadership as we continue to navigate this unprecedented event together. We want to assure our families that mental health and emotional supports will remain actively in place for any student who may need assistance. The emotions felt by those who are directly or indirectly impacted by what has taken place are very real, and support for those affected is vital. In addition to our dedicated school psychologists, social workers, and counselors who work in our buildings every day, the district is coordinating specialized support resources through both Madison and Onondaga Counties to provide extra care. If you are aware that your child may be in need of these services, please reach out to the school building your child attends. This is an incredibly heartbreaking experience for our entire community. It is our profound hope that our students always remain the center of our attention, especially at a time of year when they have earned their ceremonies and celebrations. The Cazenovia Board of Education

Tuesday, Jun 23 2026

Update 6/22/26

Good evening, Tonight we are writing to provide you with an important update regarding the status of the Cazenovia Board of Education following the arrest of Board Member Travis Barr on Thursday, June 18. As we communicated on Saturday, June 20, the Board of Education issued a formal demand for Mr. Barr’s immediate resignation, establishing a strict deadline of today, Monday, June 22, at 12:00 PM. Mr. Barr did not resign by that deadline. Consequently, the Board of Education has moved forward tonight with the process of filing formal administrative charges to remove him from his seat on the Board. To keep our community informed, we want to share how this legal process works. Under New York State Education Law, Mr. Barr was elected by the public to a three-year term on the Board of Education in 2024, and cannot be suspended, censured or reprimanded. Under New York State law, the Board’s only recourse to address misconduct by an elected board member is removal from the Board.  There are only three legal pathways by which a board member can be removed from office when the legal threshold has been met: Resignation by the board member. Mr. Barr has not formally resigned. A formal administrative hearing held before an independent hearing officer. This action was unanimously approved by resolution at tonight’s special meeting.  If he were to resign prior to this hearing being conducted, that would eliminate the need for a hearing. An official removal order issued by the Commissioner of the New York State Education Department (NYSED). This process typically takes the longest of the three options. Because Mr. Barr has not yet formally resigned, the Board is pursuing a formal hearing, which is the most expedient path to his removal. By law, there is a mandatory 10-day statutory waiting period from the time the Board officially levies the charges to the date when the formal removal hearing can legally convene. This timeframe ensures due process under state regulations. As communicated on Friday, June 19, the district has barred Mr. Barr from all school property, buildings, and district-sponsored events, and this directive remains strictly in effect. The Board of Education and District Administration remain committed to ensuring the safety of our students and staff, maintaining the integrity of our governance, and upholding the values of the Cazenovia community. We will continue to provide updates as the legal process permits. Cazenovia Board of Education

Monday, Jun 22 2026

Update

Good Afternoon, On June 19, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., The Cazenovia Board of Education received information from a news outlet that the Board’s Vice President, Travis Barr Longo, had been arrested for sending sexually explicit messages to a child. The Board convened at 1:30 that afternoon, with the Superintendent, and an attorney retained by the District, with expertise in NYS Education Law. We unanimously agreed to a swift and decisive process to demand Mr. Longo’s resignation, as this is the most expedient way to remove him from the Board, effective immediately. Communication to Mr. Longo from our attorney indicated that if he did not resign by noon, Monday, June 22, we would immediately pursue his removal through NYS Education Law proceedings. The Board of Education has no authority to remove Mr. Longo, as an elected official, without following the state mandated process. The Board of Education has been shocked, deeply saddened, and outraged by these serious allegations, and we extend our support and assistance to all children and families involved. Our response reflects the Board of Education’s deep and unwavering commitment to every child’s safety, and well being. Our charge to protect every student in our District is our moral and ethical duty, along with a responsibility to the sworn oath that is our legal obligation. We stand strong in condemning these alleged actions, while also acknowledging that it is the responsibility of the judicial system to determine guilt or innocence. We appreciate all of the hard work of law enforcement, and their partnership with us in protecting our students. In unity with the students and families of the Cazenovia School District, The Cazenovia CSD Board of Education

Saturday, Jun 20 2026

Update

Good Afternoon, We are writing to inform you that the District became aware of the arrest of our Board of Education vice-president Travis (Barr) Longo when the news was publicly disseminated at approximately 10:00 this morning.  Mr. Barr is not an employee of the District, he was elected by the Cazenovia voters to a 3-year term in May of 2024.  The role of a school board member is not a student facing role.  Please be assured that we take all such matters with the utmost seriousness. The District has retained and is working closely with legal counsel to review the matter thoroughly and determine the appropriate immediate steps. In the interim, the individual in question will not be permitted on any school grounds or at any district-sponsored events.  The safety, well-being, and peace of mind of our students, staff, and community remain our absolute highest priorities. Because this involves an ongoing administrative and legal matter, we are strictly limited in the specific details we can share publicly. However, please know that we are taking all necessary actions to ensure a safe, secure, and focused learning environment.  We will update you as more information becomes available. Thank you for your continued partnership, patience, and support. Kevin Linck Cazenovia Central School Superintendent 

Friday, Jun 19 2026

Reminder - No School Friday, May 22 and Monday, May 25

Dear Laker Families, Just an important reminder that school will not be in session tomorrow, Friday, May 22 and Monday, May 25, for an extended Memorial Day weekend. Please see the attached one-page school calendar for additional information as we approach the end of the school year. Have a great long weekend!

Thursday, May 21 2026

Budget & Board of Education Election Results

Dear Community Members, Thank you to everyone who participated in today’s annual school budget vote and Board of Education election. We are incredibly grateful for your continued partnership and investment in our students, staff, and schools. We are pleased to announce that the proposed 2026-2027 School District Budget has been approved by our community, passing with approximately a 76% approval rate. The bus purchase proposition passed 80% and the library proposition also passed with 78%.  Your support ensures we can maintain our academic programming, support our student services, and keep our facilities running strong in the upcoming school year. Board of Education Election Results In addition to the budget proposition, district residents elected four members to the Board of Education. Please join us in congratulating the following individuals on their election to the open seats: Jeffrey Dewan  - 3-Year Term Emily Wiemers  -  3-Year Term Jan Woodworth  - 2-Year Term Sasha Rasmussen - 1-Year Term Thank you again for your time, engagement, and dedication to our district. A full breakdown of the voting numbers for all propositions will be made available on the district website tomorrow morning. Sincerely, Kevin Linck

Wednesday, May 20 2026

Reminder! Tuesday, May 19 is Vote & Election Day

Dear Cazenovia School District Residents, Just a reminder that tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19 is Vote & Election Day for the school district. Polls will be open from  7am to 9pm in the  Middle School Aux Gym, 31 Emory Ave. All qualified voters are encouraged to cast their ballots. Proposition 1:   2026-27 Proposed  School Budget Proposition 2:   Purchase of Replacement School Buses (gas and diesel) Proposition 3:   Public Library Contribution (Cazenovia Public Library & New Woodstock Free Library) Election:   Four (4) Vacancies on the  Board of Education Voters who are unable to make it to the polls tomorrow are welcome to vote in the District Office today,  Monday, May 18 before 4pm (by Absentee or Early Vote ballot). Contact the District Clerk with questions at eayres@caz.cnyric.org or 315.655.1317.

Monday, May 18 2026

Monday, May 11 - Board of Education Candidate Meet &...

Dear Cazenovia School District Residents, Community members are invited to attend a  Meet & Greet  of  Board of Education Candidates  on  Monday, May 11  from  5:30 pm to 6:30 pm  in the  High School Auditorium Foyer. Following that event, the  Public Hearing for the 2026-27 School Budget  will begin at  6:30 pm in the High School Auditorium.  For those unable to attend in person, a  non-interactive livestream  will be available. The comprehensive  Budget Newsletter  will be mailed to district residents on Tuesday, May 12. For those joining us on Monday evening:  please enter the building through the main Auditorium doors on Emory Ave, and allow individuals with limited mobility preferential parking in the Middle School parking lot (located between the Auditorium doors and the bus loop). Please note that a Track & Field Invitational will also be taking place on campus that afternoon. Vote & Election Day:  on  Tuesday, May 19,  polls will be open from  7:00 am to 9:00 pm  in the  Middle School Auxiliary Gym.  As a reminder, all qualified voters can vote early using the  Early Vote or Absentee  application, which will be accepted until 4:00 pm on Monday, May 18 in the District Office. What’s on the Ballot in 2026? Proposition 1:   2026-27 Proposed School Budget Proposition 2:   Purchase of Replacement School Buses Proposition 3:   Public Library Contribution Election:   Four (4) Vacancies on the Board of Education We encourage all qualified voters to exercise their right to vote, and look forward to seeing you on Monday evening and at the polls!

Saturday, May 09 2026