905.3 - Weapons in the School District

Code No.  905.3

WEAPONS IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT

The board believes weapons, other dangerous objects and look-a-likes in school district facilities and at school district-approved events cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

All weapons, dangerous objects and look-a-likes are prohibited to be carried, possessed, transported or otherwise stored on school district property and to school district-approved events.  Exceptions to this policy include weapons carried by the following individuals in performance of their official duties:

• law enforcement;
• military personnel;
• corrections officers;
• individuals approved in writing by the Superintendent;
• students and individuals approved in writing by the Superintendent who are actively engaging in a school district approved firearms safety course, hunter education course or shooting sports activity and;
• School security officers and/or school resource officers in accordance with all applicable laws.

The district shall not authorize staff members to carry firearms on school grounds in accordance with Iowa Code 724.6.

Individuals found to be in violation of this district policy will be required to immediately remove the weapon, dangerous object or look-a-likes from the school district property or event.  Students found to be in violation of this policy or any other board policies related to weapons will be subject to disciplinary proceedings.  Employees found in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

Note:  In 2021, the legislature made changes to decriminalize the carrying of firearms on campus by certain individuals if certain circumstances are met.  However, much like creating tobacco-free campuses, schools maintain the authority to choose whether to place additional limitations on the carrying of firearms on district property as needed to protect the health and safety of students and staff.

Legal Reference:                                               18 U.S.C. § 921

                                    Iowa Code §§ 279.8; .84; 280.21B; 483A.27(11), 724

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

Approved 12/19/2022                             

Reviewed 08/12/2024                            

Revised 08/12/2024