Update - June 24, 2026

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:

1. Resignation: The member chooses to step down voluntarily.  This is what Mr. (Barr) Longo ultimately did this on Monday, June 22, 2026.

2. 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.

3. 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