5008 - Weapons on School Property

5008 Weapons on School Property 5008

Guns and Firearms – Students:

Any pupil who brings or possesses a firearm as defined in section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code in a safe school zone as defined in RSA 193-D:1 without written authorization from the Superintendent or designee shall be expelled from school by the local school board for a period of not less than 12 months. This expulsion may be modified by the Superintendent upon review of the specific case in accordance with other applicable law.

Pursuant to the provisions of 20 U.S.C. § 7151, Gun Free Schools Act, the Board requires the Superintendent to contact local law enforcement authorities and/or the division of children and Youth Services and notify them of any student who brings a firearm or weapon on school property.

Weapons under control of law enforcement personnel are permitted.

All students will receive written notice of this policy at least once each year.

Other Weapons:

For the purpose of this policy, “weapon” includes but is not limited to: slingshot, metallic knuckles, billies, knives, electric defense weapons (as defined in RSA 159:20), and martial arts weapons (as defined in RSA 159:24).

“Weapon” is further defined as any device, instrument, material or substance, which is used, attempted to be used or threatened to be used, and is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury.

Weapons are not permitted in school buildings, on school property, in school vehicles or at school-sponsored activities. This policy applies to students and members of the public alike.

Student violations of this policy will result in both school disciplinary action and notification of local law enforcement authorities.

Members of the public who violate this policy may be reported to local law enforcement authorities, if possession of the weapon is used in a threatening, harassing or intimidation manner.

Exceptions to this policy:

Students and staff who possess items that are course or job related. Examples include (but are not limited to) custodians possessing pocket knives and culinary teachers and students as well as kitchen staff possessing carving knives.

The Superintendent or other building administrator may exercise his/her best judgment in determining the scope of this policy as it relates to inadvertent or unintentional violations of this policy by adults, provided such inadvertent or unintentional violation of this policy does not affect the safety of students, school staff or the public.

Legal References:

18 U.S.C. § 921, Et seq., Firearms
20 U.S.C. § 7151, Gun-Free Schools Act
RSA 193:11, Disturbance

Approved: 9/1994
Revised: 6/1995, 11/2008, 01/2017