School admits notice flaw after coffee suspension

A New York high school senior was suspended for bringing a cup of coffee to class, an incident that has prompted her school district to admit it did not properly publicize a required public hearing for a new policy. Julie Kaputa, a senior and student body president at Beaver River Central School in Castorland, received an in-school suspension on September 3 after refusing to discard a latte from a local shop during her first-period class. The suspension was issued under a new district policy for the 2026-2027 school year that bans food and drinks from outside vendors, requiring students to finish such items before entering school. The policy was added to the district's Standards for CommunityWide Conduct and was intended to create a safe, instruction-focused environment. Julie and her mother, MaryAnne Kaputa, challenged the policy's legitimacy, arguing the school board did not hold a properly advertised public hearing before adopting the change, which they believe state law requires. MaryAnne Kaputa stated on social media that meeting minutes from July and August board meetings were not published until she inquired, and the district had no record of a public hearing.