The Board believes weapons and other dangerous objects and those that look like weapons or dangerous objects 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/or look alikes. Weapons and other dangerous objects and look-alikes shall 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.
Parents of students found to possess a weapon or dangerous objects or look-alikes on school property shall be notified of the incident. Confiscation of weapons or dangerous objects or look-alikes shall be reported to the law enforcement officials, and the student will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.
Students bringing a firearm to school shall be expelled for not less than twelve months and will be referred to law enforcement authorities. The superintendent shall have the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified for a student on a case-by-case basis. For purposes of this portion of this policy, the term "firearm" includes 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 or otherwise defined by applicable law.
Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials or other individuals specifically authorized by the board are exempt from this policy. The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement the policy.
Legal Reference: Improving America's Schools Act of 1994, P.L. 103-382.
McClain v. Lafayette County Bd. of Education, 673 F.2d 106 (5th Cir. 1982).
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 724 (1995).
Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
507 Student Health and Well-Being
Approved: 4/14/97 Reviewed: 6/22 Revised: 6/22