503.06 - Weapons

The board believes weapons, other dangerous objects and look-a-likes in school district facilities cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

School district facilities are not an appropriate place for weapons, dangerous objects and look-a-likes.  Weapons and other dangerous objects and look-a-likes will be taken from students and others who bring them onto the school district property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the school district or from students who are within the control of the school district.  Dangerous weapons include, but are not limited to, any offensive weapon, pistol, revolver, or other firearm, dagger, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, or any knife.

Parents of students found to possess weapons, dangerous objects or look-a-likes on school property are notified of the incident.  Possession or confiscation of weapons or dangerous objects will be reported to law enforcement officials, and students will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.

Students bringing firearms to school or knowingly possessing firearms at school will be expelled of not less than one year.  The superintendent has the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified for students on a case-by-case basis.  For purposes of this portion of this policy, the term “firearm” includes, but is not limited to, any weapon which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such a weapon, or any explosive, incendiary or poison gas.

Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials are exempt from this policy.  The principal may allow authorized persons to display weapons, other dangerous objects or look-a-likes for educational purposes.  Such a display will also be exempt from this policy.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Note:  This policy meets state and federal law.  Federal law gives an exception, to the mandatory one-year expulsion for weapons possession or bringing to schools, for weapons that are lawfully stored in a locked vehicle on school property.  Boards wishing to adopt this exception should amend this policy to reflect that and direct the administration to develop the required procedures designed to ensure student safety.

 

 

Legal Reference:  No Child Left Behind, Title IV, Sec. 4141, P.L. 107-110 (2002)
                                       Improving America’s Schools Act of 1994, P.L. 103-382
                                       18 U.S.C. §921 (1994)
                                       McClain v. Lafayette County Bd. of Education, 673 F.2d 106  (5^th Cir. 1982)
                                       Iowa Code §§279.8; 280.21B; 724 (1997)
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                       503    Student Discipline
                                       507    Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:  2-10-03              
Reviewed:  12-10-18            
Revised: