Revised: December 20, 2000
Revised: June 13, 2005
Revised: January 9, 2012
Revised: November 13, 2019
WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
It is a top priority of the Evansville Community School District Board of Education to provide a safe learning environment for all students. To ensure a safe and comfortable school climate, persons are prohibited from possessing, using, or storing any weapon on school grounds/premises or at school sponsored activities except in a locked vehicle as provided by law. Possession or use of toy or look-alike guns or other weapons on school grounds/premises or at school sponsored activities or activities sponsored by other groups on school property is prohibited by this policy unless the person has received advance approval by the appropriate teacher or administrator in writing.
Weapons are defined as any object that by its design and/or use can cause bodily injury or property damage. This includes, but is not limited to, guns, ammunition, explosives, knives, razors, karate sticks, nanchaku, metal knuckles, chains, chemical sprays, electric weapons, and similar items. Articles designed for other purposes (e.g., ice pick) which are used in a manner that would inflict bodily harm and/or to intimidate, may also be considered weapons.
Those with access to firearms should also be aware that guns are prohibited within the 1,000 feet Gun Free School Zone surrounding the property lines of District grounds.
Law enforcement officers shall be contacted if there is a situation at school involving a weapon.
No person, including someone with a state-issued concealed carry license, shall use or possess a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, any destructive device, or other dangerous weapon (as defined under section 948.61 of the state statutes) in school buildings and other buildings owned, occupied or controlled by the school district, on school grounds/premises, in school-provided transportation, or at any school-sponsored or school-supervised activity, except as otherwise specifically authorized in this policy.
The following are exceptions to the policy prohibition:
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This prohibition does not apply where state law prohibits a school district from restricting any individual’s right to possess a firearm or other weapon in a location covered by this policy (e.g., law enforcement officers possessing a firearm or other weapon on school grounds in the line of duty; individuals 21 years of age or older licensed to carry a concealed weapon possessing or storing an authorized handgun that is unloaded and encased in their motor vehicle parked on school grounds).
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The building principal may allow a weapon on school grounds/premises for purposes of demonstration of educational presentations. This approval must be in writing and granted prior to the weapon being brought to the school. The weapon shall be maintained in the possession of the principal except during the actual demonstration or presentation.
Any student who possesses a firearm or destructive device in violation of this policy shall be suspended from school, referred for an expulsion hearing and expelled from school for not less than one year. Students possessing other weapons in violation of this or any other policy or rule shall be subject to appropriate school disciplinary action, up to and including suspension and expulsion from school. A parent/guardian will be notified of student weapons violations in all cases. A law enforcement or juvenile justice referral shall also be made for all students violating this policy. The Board may modify the expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.
Employees violating this policy shall be disciplined in accordance with employee policies, agreements and handbooks and referred to law enforcement officials for prosecution.
Any other person violating this policy shall be referred to law enforcement officials for prosecution.
The District Administrator or designee shall determine the appropriate means of informing students, employees and the public of this policy, including any specific notice(s) that are required under applicable law.
This policy shall be published annually in all district student and family and employee handbooks.
Legal Ref.: Sections 118.07 Wisconsin Statutes (Health and Safety Requirements)
118.31 (Corporal Punishment)
120.13(1) (School Board Powers)
175.60 (License to Carry a Concealed Weapon)
941.235 (Carrying Firearm in Public Building)
943.13 (Trespass to Land)
948.60 (Possession of a Dangerous Weapon by a Person Under 18)
948.605 (Gun-Free School Zones)
948.61 (Dangerous Weapons Other Than Firearms on School Premises)
Federal Laws: Gun-Free Schools Act
18 U.S.C. Sec. 921(a)
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
Local Ref.: Student and Family Handbooks
Employee Handbook
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