The Linn-Mar Community School District Board of Directors believes weapons, other dangerous objects, and look-alikes in school district facilities cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment and present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors on school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.
All weapons, dangerous objects, and look-alikes are prohibited to be carried, possessed, transported, or otherwise stored on school district property and to 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 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.
School district facilities are not an appropriate place for weapons, dangerous objects, and look-a-likes. Weapons and other dangerous objects and look-alikes will be taken from students and others who bring them onto school district property, a school district event, or onto property within the jurisdiction of the school district or from students who are within the control of the school district.
Parents of students found to possess weapons, dangerous objects, or look-alikes on school property are notified of the incident. Possession or confiscation of weapons, dangerous objects, or look-alikes will be reported to law enforcement officials and students will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.
Students bringing firearms to school will be expelled for not less than one calendar year. The superintendent has the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified for students on a case-by-case basis. For purposes of this portion of the policy, the term “firearm” includes, but is not limited to, any weapon which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; a muffler or silencer for such a weapon; any explosive, incendiary, or poisonous gas; or otherwise defined by applicable law.
The district shall not authorize staff members to carry firearms on school grounds in accordance with Iowa Code 724.6. Employees found in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline up to and including termination.
Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials or other individuals specifically authorized by the board are exempt from this policy. 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 are exempt from this policy. The superintendent will develop an administrative process or procedures to implement the policy and communicate with law enforcement relevant exemptions to this policy as appropriate.
Adopted: 12/94
Reviewed: 5/11; 7/13; 10/14; 1/15; 10/17; 9/20; 10/23
Revised: 12/16; 9/21; 8/24
Related Policy: 502.1; 502.1-R; 502.2; 502.2-R; 502.8-R
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 279.8; 280.21B; 483A.27(11); 724; 281 IAC 12.3(6); 18 USC § 921
IASB Reference: 502.06; 905.03
Mandatory Policy