502.6 - Weapons

The board believes weapons and 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 or 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.

Parents of students found to possess weapons or dangerous objects or look-a-likes on school property will be notified of the incident.  Possession or confiscation of weapons, dangerous objects or look-a-likes will be reported to the 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 for 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, 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:  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 (2006).
                                      McClain v. Lafayette County Bd. of Education, 673 F.2d 106 (5^th Cir.1982).
                                      Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21B; 724 (2009).
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

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

Approved:  Oct. 11, 1993, June 18, 2018    
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Nov. 8, 2010, Oct 28, 2013, May 21, 2018                   
Revised:  Mar. 10, 1997, May 21, 2018