The presence of firearms and weapons poses a substantial risk of serious harm to District students, staff and community members. Therefore, possession of firearms and weapons is prohibited on school premises at all times except for law enforcement officials and as otherwise provided in this policy. As used in this policy, the phrase “school premises” includes all District buildings, grounds, vehicles, and parking areas. This prohibition also extends to the sites of school activities, whether or not those school activities are conducted on District property.
Individuals found to be in violation of this policy will be dealt with severely. Students will be disciplined up to and including expulsion as provided in Policy and Regulation 2620 - Firearms and Weapons in School. Law enforcement officials will be notified and the individual violating this policy will be directed to leave school premises. Non-students violating this policy will be barred from all school premises and school activities for a period of one year. Subsequent violations by the same individual will result in a permanent bar from school premises and school activities.
Student participation in school sanctioned gun safety courses, student military or ROTC courses, or other school sponsored firearm related events does not constitute a violation of this policy, provided the student does not carry a firearm or other weapon into any school, school bus, or onto the premises of any other activity sponsored or sanctioned by school officials. In addition, persons passing through school district property for purposes of dropping off or picking up a student do not violate this policy if they possess a lawful permitted weapon in the vehicle during this time.
School Protection Officers
The Board may implement a school protection officer program in accordance with Missouri law and applicable regulations of the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (“POST”).
If the Board implements a program, the District may designate one or more employees as school protection officers. Service as a school protection officer is voluntary and is in addition to the employee’s regular duties and responsibilities. Any additional compensation authorized for service as a school protection officer will be funded solely by the District.
Before designating an employee as a school protection officer, the Board must hold a public hearing on whether to allow the designation. Notice of the hearing must be published at least 15 days before the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation within the city or county in which the District is located.
A school protection officer may carry a concealed firearm or self-defense spray device only as authorized by the Board and in accordance with applicable law.
The Board may determine in closed session whether to allow a school protection officer to carry a concealed firearm or self-defense spray device and to protect the School Protection Officer’s identity.
An employee designated as a school protection officer must satisfy all applicable statutory and POST training, certification, qualification, and continuing-education requirements. The procedures for requesting designation, verifying qualifications, maintaining required documentation, and administering the school protection officer program are set forth in Regulation 1432.
A school protection officer must maintain personal control of any firearm or self-defense spray device while the firearm or device is on school property. A school protection officer who violates this requirement will be subject to employment termination proceedings.
The District may revoke an employee’s designation as a school protection officer for any reason in accordance with applicable law and Regulation 1432.