The safety of students and staff in our schools is paramount. As such illegal weapons on school grounds are an immediate threat to students and staff and will not be tolerated. Therefore, all persons are prohibited from bringing or being in possession of weapons, dangerous or otherwise, on any school grounds, school-provided transportation, school facility, or to any school sponsored activity. Fake weapons or props for such activities as school plays, approved presentations or military displays are permissible with express advance written permission of the building administrator.
For the purpose of this policy, the district adopts the definition of dangerous weapons as set forth in RCW 9.41.250 as now or hereafter amended.
Any student found to have in his or her possession, or in his or her desk or locker, or on the school premises, any dangerous weapon or replica of a dangerous weapon, shall be subject to any or all of the following:
Immediate expulsion from school pursuant to RCW 9.41.280 and WAC 180-40-275;
Being charged for violation of RCW 9.41.280 as now or hereafter amended (statute prohibits any person to knowingly carry onto public or private elementary school or secondary school premises a dangerous weapon and making such crime a gross misdemeanor, with exceptions as provided by statute);
Referral of the student to the local police agency or other appropriate agency, including counseling or psychological services.
Dangerous weapons are defined by state law as firearms, sling shots, sand clubs, metal knuckles, certain knives, "nun-chu-ka" sticks, "throwing stars," and air guns, including BB guns. Weapons apparently capable of producing bodily harm are also prohibited as defined in RCW 9.41.270 as now or hereafter amended. Laser pointing/projecting devices are also prohibited.
The district finds that the violation of this policy is so serious that it is presumed that other forms of corrective action or punishment otherwise required under State Board of Education WAC on expulsion, 180-40-275, would fail if employed. Therefore, we deem immediate expulsion for up to six months or longer dependent upon the seriousness of the offense and/or the student's discipline record, as a reasonable and necessary consequence, subject to a student's right to appeal disciplinary action to district. A behavior contract signed by the student and guardian may be required for re-entry to school.
In the case of any student found to have any firearm in his or her possession, or in his or her desk or locker or on the school premises, the student will be immediately expelled permanently from the school district and a report will be filed with the local law enforcement agency in accordance with RCW 9.41.280 and with the due process provisions of Washington State law and Board policy.
Current practice codified 1988
Adopted:
5/7/90
Revised:
2/1/93
11/15/93
8/1/06
LEGAL REF.:
RCW 9.41.250
RCW 9.41.270
RCW 9.41.280
WAC 180-40-275