3140 – Flag Display

Policy Overview

In accordance with federal and state regulations—including the U.S. Code, New York Education Law, Executive Law, and Commissioner of Education guidelines—the Board of Education adopts the following policies and procedures regarding the display, custody, and care of the United States flag.

Display Requirements

• A United States flag shall be displayed on, in, or near every school building in the district during school hours whenever school is in session, weather permitting.
• The flag must also be displayed in each assembly room (e.g., auditorium) including spaces used for Board meetings or instructional purposes.
• A flag and necessary appliances (staff, fixtures) shall be present in every school building.
• Flags may be flown at night for patriotic effect, at the Superintendent’s discretion.

Hoisting and Lowering the Flag

• The flag shall be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
• When flown at half-staff, it must first be raised to the peak and then lowered. Before removal, it must again be raised to the peak.
• The flag must never be flown at half-mast in the middle of the day.

Half-Staff Provisions

The flag shall be flown at half-staff in the following circumstances:

• Upon the death of a current or former Board member, current employee, or student.
• As ordered by the President, Governor, or local official, especially during national tragedies or in honor of significant individuals.
• On commemorative days like:
  • Pearl Harbor Day
  • September 11th Remembrance Day
  • Other days designated by the President or Governor.

Optional (Board Discretion):

• Flags may be flown at half-staff for 30 days upon the death of individuals such as staff or students at the discretion of the Superintendent.

Holiday Display

The flag shall be flown on or near the main administration building on the following holidays, weather permitting:

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Lincoln’s Birthday
• Washington’s Birthday
• Memorial Day
• Flag Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• September 11th Remembrance Day
• POW/MIA Recognition Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

If a holiday (except Flag Day) falls on a Sunday, the flag shall be displayed on the following Monday.

Weather Policy

• Flags are not to be displayed in inclement weather unless all-weather flags are used.
• Hoisting of the flag is suspended during such conditions.

Approval for Exceptions

• Approval from the Superintendent is required for half-staff displays outside standard directives.
• Procedures and regulations for approval shall be detailed in the District’s Administrative Manual. 

Legal References

• 4 U.S.C. §§5-9 (Federal flag display regulations)
• Education Law §§418-420 (School district responsibilities)
• Executive Law §§402 and 403 (Authority to direct flag display)
• 8 NYCRR §§108.1–108.3 (State flag regulations)