Weapons in the School

CODE: JFCJ

Maine School Administrative District No. 31

WEAPONS IN THE SCHOOLS

In an effort to ensure a safe environment for students and employees, all persons are prohibited from the following conduct at all times on school premises, in any school vehicle, or at any school-sponsored activity:

A. Knowing possession or use of articles commonly used or designed to inflict bodily harm and/or to intimidate other persons.

Examples of such articles include, but are not limited to: firearms, ammunition, explosives, "brass" knuckles, switchblades,

butterfly knives, chains, clubs, and Kung Fu "stars".

B. Use of any object as a weapon, although not necessarily designed to be a weapon, to inflict or to threaten bodily harm and/or to

intimidate, coerce, or harass. Examples of such objects include, but are not limited to: belts, other articles of clothing, combs,

pencils, files, compasses, scissors, and realistic replicas of weapons (including some toys).

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES

The Superintendent shall be responsible for the development and dissemination of appropriate regulations and procedures to implement relevant law, board policy, and good practice which shall include these basic components:

A. Administrators shall take appropriate action against any individual violating this policy, including but not limited to student

discipline and/or action by law enforcement officials as appropriate.

Students who violate this policy may be expelled under the Title 20-A MRSA section 1009(9) (1993) which provided that, if found necessary for the peace and usefulness of the school, a school board shall expel any student:

1. Who is deliberately disobedient or deliberately disorderly;

2. For infractions of violence;

3. Who possesses on school property a firearm as defined in Title 17-A MRSA section 2, subsection 12-A, without permission of a

school official (see 20-A MRSA section 6552); and

4. Who, with use of any other dangerous weapon as defined in Title 17-A MRSA section 2, subsection 9, paragraph A,

intentionally or knowingly causes injury or accompanies use of a weapon with a threat or cause injury.

B. As required by Section 1302 of the GOALS 2000: EDUCATE AMERICA ACT, any student who is determined to have brought a firearm

(as defined in 18 U.S.C. Sec. 921) to school will be expelled from the regular school program for at least one year. This may be

modified on a case-by-case basis by the Superintendent. Such modification may include placement in alternative educational

programs.

C. Administrators will confiscate any article described in this policy and, if appropriate, submit it to a suitable law enforcement

agency.

D. Principals may authorize inspections of student lockers, automobiles, clothing, purses, bags, backpacks, and other personal

belongings when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the inspection will produce evidence that this policy has been

violated.

Such regulations are also to include appropriate rules, sanctions, and procedures regarding and/or use of weapons by employees, visitors, or other persons in addition to students.

ROLE OF SCHOOL STAFF

School personnel will take appropriate action to secure the health and safety of students during any altercation involving violence and/or use of a weapon. With the objective of defusing potentially violent situations and student anger, school staff will receive training in recognition, prevention, and responding to violence. Incidents are to be reported immediately to an appropriate administrator.

First Reading: 02/21/2001

Amended and Adopted: 04/25/2001