5131.7 - Weapons and Dangerous Instruments

The County Superintendent of Schools desires students at school to be free from the fear and danger presented by firearms and other weapons/dangerous objects.

Any school employee may confiscate any weapon, dangerous instrument, or replica from any person on school grounds under the power granted to the County Superintendent of Schools to maintain order and discipline in the schools and to protect the safety of students, staff and the public.

Students possessing, exhibiting or threatening others with a weapon, dangerous instrument or replica firearm are subject to suspension and/or expulsion, or placed in an alternative learning environment, in accordance with law, and County Superintendent of Schools policy and regulations.

The principal or designee shall notify law enforcement authorities when any student possesses a weapon or commits any act of assault with a firearm or other weapon.

The County Superintendent of Schools recognizes that students age 16 or older may legally possess tear gas or tear gas weapons such as pepper spray for the purpose of self-defense. However, to prevent potential misuse that may harm students or staff, students are prohibited from carrying such items on campus or at school activities.

The County Superintendent of Schools encourages students to promptly report the presence of weapons, injurious objects or other suspicious activity to school authorities. The identity of a student who reports such activities shall remain confidential to the extent permitted by law. Incident reports and records shall not identify the student who reported the possession.

Parents will be given annual notification of this policy.

Approved: May 24, 1994