Dangerous Weapons in the Schools

File: JFCJ

The safety of students and staff in our schools is paramount. As such, it is a violation of district policy and state law for any person to carry a firearm or dangerous weapon on school district premises, school-provided transportation or areas of other facilities being used exclusively for school activities.

Weapons prohibited by this policy include firearms, as defined under federal and state law, explosives, items capable of causing bodily harm, and objects, including toy weapons or look-alikes, that appear to be weapons or that can be used to cause bodily harm, regardless of size. Dangerous weapons are defined by state law as firearms, sling shots, sand clubs, stun guns, metal knuckles, certain knives, "nun-chu-ka" sticks, "throwing stars," and air guns, including BB guns and paintball 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 for student use or possession.

All school facilities shall post “Gun-Free Zone” signs in accordance with RCW 9.41.280.

The prohibition to carry firearms on school district premises shall be in accordance with RCW 9.41.280 and does not apply to school resource officers or any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer.

Fake weapons or props for District-approved activities such as school plays or assemblies, approved presentations or military displays, and starter pistols used for sports activities, are permitted with prior approval of the building principal. The fake weapons or props may not be capable of firing any projectiles, must be under the control or supervision of the adult activity sponsor, and must be locked up when not in use for the activity.

Under RCW 9.91.160, it is unlawful and a violation of this policy for a person under eighteen years of age, unless the person is at least fourteen years old and has with written parental or guardian permission, to possess personal protection spray devices on school district property. Providing or transferring a personal protection spray device to someone who is prohibited from possessing such a device, is also a violation of this policy. Any use of a personal protection spray device must be consistent with RCW 9A.16.020.

Any student found to have in his or her possession, in his or her desk or locker, or on school district premises any dangerous weapon or replica of a dangerous weapon defined in RCW 9.41.270 shall be subject to any or all of the following:

    1. Notification of the student’s parent or guardian;
    2. Referral of the student to the local police agency or other appropriate agency, including counseling or psychological services;
    3. Disciplinary action up to and including suspension, emergency expulsion, and expulsion consistent with Policy JG: Student Discipline and Policy JFC: Student Conduct;
    4. A behavior contract signed by the student and parent or guardian may be required for re-entry to school.

In instances involving a firearm police will be contacted and students will be subject to a one-year expulsion pursuant to RCW 9.41.280 and WAC 392 400-275. Students may be 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).

Students may be subject to suspension, emergency expulsion or expulsion in instances involving the use of or brandishing of a dangerous weapon with malice.

Adopted:
05/07/90

Revised:
02/01/93
11/15/93
08/01/06
08/06/12
06/14/16

LEGAL REF.:
RCW 9.41.250
RCW 9.41.270
RCW 9.41.280
RCW 9.91.160
RCW 9A.16.020
RCW 28A.600.420
WAC 392-400-275
20 U.S.C. §8921

A group of students sing at an assembly