Cambria-FrieslandSchool DistrictChapter Code:JECJ

Board of Education PolicyOriginal Board Policy

Dangerous Weapons In The Schools

No person shall possess or use a dangerous weapon in school buildings, on school premises, in a district-owned vehicle or at any school-sponsored function or event. A dangerous weapon is defined as an object which is used or intended to be used to inflict bodily harm. The following list is illustrative, but not exhaustive of examples of dangerous weapons: a firearm [loaded or unloaded], knife, BB and pellet firing guns, razor, martial arts device, explosive device, metal knuckle, starter pistol which is not used at an appropriate sporting event, ammunition and explosives.

The term firearm means any weapon which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive. The firearm is defined in the Title 18 – Crimes And Criminal Procedure of the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 (18 U.S.C.A. ss. #921 – 922).

Policy exceptions include:

  1. Weapons under the control of law enforcement personnel.
  1. Weapons used in a school approved hunter safety class.
  1. Theatrical props used in appropriate settings.
  1. Items pre-approved by the building principal as part of a class or individual presentation under adult supervision. These items should be maintained in the possession of the principal, except during the actual presentation.

Weapons confiscated from a student shall be reported to parents/guardians and may be referred to law enforcement authorities for prosecution and/or social services, and disciplinary measures will be taken which includes suspending the student for up to five (5) days. The school board may commence proceedings to expel a student from school for not less than one year when it finds that the student, while at school or while under the supervision of a school authority possed a dangerous weapon. The school board may modify the expulsion on a case-by-case basis.

Prior to expelling a student, the school board shall hold a hearing. No less than 5 days written notice of the hearing shall be sent to the student and, if the student is a minor, to the student’s parent or guardian, specifying the particulars of the alleged refusal, neglect or conduct, stating the time and place of the hearing and stating that the hearing may result in the student’s explusion. Upon request of the student and, if the student is a minor, the student’s parent or guardian, the hearing shall be closed. The student and, if the student is a minor, the student’s parent or guardian may be represented at the hearing by counsel. The school board shall keep written minutes of the hearing. Upon the ordering by the school board of the explusion of a student, the school district clerk shall mail a copy of the order to the student and, if the student is a minor, the student’s parent or guardian. The expelled student, or if the student is a minor, the student’s parent or guardian may appeal the explusion to the state superintendent. If the school board’s decision is appealed to the state superintendent within 60 days after the date on which the state superintendent receives the appeal, the state superintendent shall review the decision and shall, upon review, approve, reverse or modify the decision. The decision of the school board shall be enforced while the state superintendent reviews the decision. An appeal from the decision of the state superintendent may be taken within 30 days to the circuit court of the county in which the school is located.

Employes violating this policy may be disciplined in accordance with employe policies and bargaining agreements which could include termination of employment and may be referred to law enforcement officials for prosecution.

Any other person violating this policy may be referred to law enforcement officials for prosecution.

This policy shall be published annually in all district student and staff handbooks.

The Cambria-FrieslandSchool District shall not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, national orgin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability.

Approved: February 29, 1996

Revised: January 25, 1999

Reviewed by Board: February 23, 2004

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