The board believes weapons and other 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, or objects which look like weapons.  Weapons,  other dangerous objects,  and objects which look like weapons  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, dangerous objects or objects which look like weapons on school property shall be notified of the incident.  Confiscation of weapons or dangerous objects or objects which look like weapons 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 shall be exempt from this policy.  Students and individuals approved in writing by the Superintendent who are actively engaging in a school district approved firearms safety course, hunter education course or shooting sport activity are exempt from this policy.  The Superintendent will develop an administrative process or procedures to implement the policy and communicate with law enforcement relevant exemptions to this policy as appropriate.

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 9/23/11     Reviewed    1/18/17            Revised      7-17-24