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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 School 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 (1) 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
Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary in this Policy, the District may designate one or more school teachers or administrators as school protection officers. School protection officers are authorized to carry a concealed firearm or self-defense spray device.
Prior to designating such officers, the Board will conduct a public hearing on the initiation of such Program. Notice must be given in a publication of general circulation in the city or court in which the District is located at least fifteen (15) days before the hearing. However, the Board may meet in closed session to determine 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.
Those employees seeking to be designated as a school protection officer must make a written request to the Superintendent along with proof of ownership of a valid concealed carry endorsement or permit. All teachers and administrators seeking designation as a school protection officer shall submit a certificate of school protection officer training program completed from a training program approved by the Director of Public Safety. If the District designates a school protection officer, the District must notify the Director of Public Safety of:
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Full name, date of birth and address of the officer;
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The name of the school district; and
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The date such person was designated as a school protection officer.
Such identity information will not be considered public information under the State’s Sunshine Law.
Such school protection officers will not be permitted to allow any firearm or device out of their personal control, while the firearm or device is on school property. Violation of this provision will subject the offending officer to termination proceedings.
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