Weapons

Policy 4315: Weapons Regulation of Dangerous Weapons on School Premises It is a violation of district policy and state law for any person to carry a firearm or dangerous weapon on school premises, school-provided transportation or areas of other facilities being used exclusively for school activities. Dangerous weapons include but are not limited to firearms, slung shots, sand clubs, metal knuckles, daggers, dirks, spring blade knives, nun-chu-ka sticks, throwing stars, air guns, stun guns, and devices intended to injure a person by an electric shock. The superintendent is directed to see that all school facilities post “Gun-Free Zone” signs, and that all violations of this policy and RCW 9.41.280 are reported annually to the superintendent of Public Instruction. The following persons may carry firearms into school buildings, as necessary, although students engaged in these activities are restricted to the possession of rifles on school premises: 1. Persons engaged in military, law enforcement, or school district security activities; 2. Persons involved in a school authorized convention, showing, demonstration, lecture, or firearm safety course; 3. Persons competing in school authorized firearm or air gun competitions; and 4. Any federal, state or local law enforcement officer; The following persons over eighteen years of age and not enrolled as students may have firearms in their possession on school property outside of school buildings: 1. Persons with concealed weapons permits issued pursuant to RCW 9.41.070 who are picking up or dropping off students; and 2. Persons conducting legitimate business at the school and in lawful possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon if the weapon is secured within an attended vehicle, is unloaded and secured in a vehicle, or is concealed from view in a locked, unattended vehicle. The district may suspend or expel a student for up to one year if the student acts with malice, as defined under RCW 9A.04.110, and displays an instrument that appears to be a firearm on school premises, school-provided transportation, or areas of facilities while being used exclusively for school activities. School officials shall notify the student’s parents or guardians and the appropriate law enforcement agency of known or suspected violations of this policy. Students who violate this policy shall be subject to discipline, including a one-year expulsion for a violation involving a firearm. However, the superintendent may modify the one-year expulsion on a case-by-case basis. Adopted: 4/11/2012 Revised: 2/21/2020 REFERENCES: RCW 28A.600.420 – “Firearms on school premises, transportation, or facilities…” RCW 9.41.010 – Terms defined RCW 9.41.280 – Dangerous weapons on school grounds RCW 9.41.280 – “Possessing dangerous weapons on school facilities… RCW 9A.16.020 – Use of force — when lawful RCW 9.91.160 – Personal Protection Spray devices RCW 9A.04.110 – Definitions CROSS RESOURCES: RCW 4260 – Use of School Facilities RCW 3241 – Classroom Management, Corrective Actions Or Punishment RCW 3240 – Student Conduct Policy News, August 2006 Weapons on School Premises Policy News, August 1998 State Encourages Modification of Weapons Policy Policy News, October 1997 Legislature also addresses “look-alike” firearms MANAGEMENT RESOURCES: Regulation of Dangerous Weapons on School Premises Procedure POLICY NUMBER: 4315P It is the policy of Wa He Lut Indian School Board that district programs promote and support student access to instruction, while maintaining a welcoming, supportive, safe, and healthy environment. Therefore, it is the policy of Wa He Lut Indian School Board that all students are prohibited from carrying or possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon (as defined by federal and state law and district policy and procedures) on school property, on school-provided transportation, in areas of facilities being used exclusively by public schools, or at school-sponsored events or activities. RCW 9A.41.280(2) indicates that bringing a dangerous weapon on school property constitutes grounds for expulsion. In the event a student has brought a dangerous weapon to school but has not used it, the student will at a minimum be temporarily excluded from the school environment while a thorough assessment of the particular situation is completed. The student may be temporarily placed in another environment where they will be able to continue with their school work. This does not apply to a student with a firearm or who uses a weapon to threaten or attack another person. As stated in RCW 28A.600.420(1), “any student who is determined to have carried a firearm on to, or to have possessed a firearm on school district property, school-provided transportation, areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public schools, or at school-sponsored events or activities shall be expelled from school for not less than one year.” If a student is expelled from a school, the district will work with families and agencies to seek to provide if reasonably possible a safe learning environment where the student may continue their education. RCW 28A.600.420(6) also states that “a school district may suspend or expel a student for up to one year, if the student acts with malice as defined under RCW 9A.04.110 and displays an instrument that appears to be a firearm, on public elementary or secondary school premises, public school-provided transportation, or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public schools” Students have the right to appeal their disciplinary action in accordance with policy and procedures for this policy. Violations of this policy will be reported annually to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Weapons-Free Zone signs shall be posted in all school facilities. The Superintendent is granted the authority to adopt procedures to implement this policy and the requirements of RCW 28A.600.420. Procedures for Weapons Possession on School Property These procedures as they apply to students are: 1. If serious harm is possible, call the Police (911) immediately and notify the front office. 2. In the event of reports or rumors of the presence of guns or weapons at school, attempt to increase supervision of areas around the school where students tend to congregate. The Principal/Administrator should investigate reports and rumors thoroughly and take necessary action. Shelter-in-Place or Lockdown response may be initiated if necessary. 3. Notify the front office of the reports or rumors, and additional support will be provided. 4. Weapons discovered in student(s) possession should be confiscated immediately. If a firearm is discovered, the Police (911) must be called. 5. Appropriate corrective action should be initiated immediately. For students, their parents/guardians must be called immediately regarding the incident and pending expulsion. 6. A Safety and Security Incident Report must be written for all weapons incidents. Adopted: 2/21/2020 Revised: Legal References: RCW 9.41.250 Dangerous Weapons; RCW 9.41.280 Possession of Dangerous Weapons on School Facilities; RCW 28A.600.420 Firearms on School Premises, Transportation, or Facilities – Penalty – Exemptions; 18 U.S.C. § 921 Firearm Defined; 20 U.S.C. § 8921 Gun Free Schools Act of 1994