Board Policy 218.3Weapons Violation

Ben LoueyTony Donnini

Michelle Marusko

Purpose The Board recognizes the importance of a

safe school environment and its effect on the educational process.

Possession of weapons in the school environment is a threat to the safety of students and staff and is prohibited by law.

DefinitionsWEAPON POSSESSION

the term shall include but not be limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, shotgun, rifle, replica of a weapon, and/or any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.

a student is in possession of a weapon when the weapon is found on the person of the student; in the student’s locker; under the student’s control while on school property, on property being used by the school, at any school function or activity, at any school event held away from the school, or while the student is coming to or from school.

Authority Student will be expelled for one year after due

process

Superintendent may recommend modifications

In cases where the student is identified as special education, a manifestation determination will be completed

Local law enforcement agency must be notified

Guidelines Student, staff and parents will be informed

of this policy annually

Students are required to sign an acknowledgement form that they have read and understand this policy

Transfer students with a prior weapons violation will be provided an alternative education placement

Current Violation Mrs. Martin observed Student X (age 18)

with a knife clip hanging out of his pocket

She immediately removed him from the classroom and placed him in a safe environment

Mrs. Martin asked the student if he was in possession of an illegal item

Current Violation (continued)

Student X admitted to being in possession of a pocket knife and immediately turned it over to Mrs. Martin

Mrs. Martin notified the appropriate administrator of the violation

Procedure Student was placed in the principal’s office

Confiscated weapon was given to the principal

Local law enforcement was notified

Superintendent was notified

Parents were notified

Enforcement Recommending a 180 day expulsion

Student will be permitted to continue education in our alternative school

Opinions Painful decision due to:

• Student athlete• Outstanding behavior• Honor student• Class President

Needs to be done because:• Board policy• Student safety• Community perceptions