502.08 - Weapons

The board believes weapons, other dangerous objects and look-alikes on school district property 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.

The school district property is not an appropriate place for weapons, dangerous objects and look-alikes.  Weapons, other dangerous objects and look-alikes 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, dangerous objects or look-alikes on school district property will be notified of the incident.  Possession or confiscation of weapons, dangerous objects or look-alikes will be reported to law enforcement officials, and students will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.

Students bringing firearms on school district property or knowingly possessing firearms on school district property 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, 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:  18 U.S.C. § 921
                                   Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21B; 483A.27(11);724
                                   281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

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

Approved:  11/01/2004

Reviewed:  09/15/2008, 01/20/2014, 05/20/2024

Revised: 11/21/2016, 02/18/2019