Policy Details Page

Policy No. 4210
Community Relations

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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.

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:

• persons engaged in military, law enforcement, or school district security activities;
• persons involved in a school authorized convention, showing, demonstration, lecture or firearm safety course;
• persons competing in school authorized firearm or air gun competitions; and
• any federal, state or local law enforcement officer.

The following persons over eighteen years of age and not enrolled as students may have firearms or dangerous weapons in their possession on school property outside of school buildings:

• persons with concealed weapons permit issued pursuant to RCW 9.41.070, or who is exempt from the licensing requirement by RCW 9.41.060 who are picking up or dropping off students; and
• persons conducting legitimate business at the school and in lawful possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon if the item is secured within an attended vehicle is unloaded and secured in a vehicle or is concealed from view in a locked, unattended vehicle.

Persons may bring dangerous weapons, other than firearms, onto school premises if the weapons are lawfully within the person’s possession and are to be used in a school-authorized martial arts class.

Persons over eighteen years of age and persons between fourteen and eighteen years of age with written parental or guardian permission may possess personal protection spray devices on school property. No one under eighteen years of age may deliver such devices, nor may anyone eighteen years or older deliver a spray device to anyone under fourteen or to anyone between fourteen and eighteen who does not have parental permission. Persons younger than 14 may not possess personal protection devices.

Personal protection spray devices may not be used other than in self-defense as defined by state law. Possession, transmission or use of personal protection spray devices under any other circumstances is a violation of district policy.

Students who violate this policy are subject to district discipline policies, including the due process provisions regarding notification of parents. Students who violate the firearms provisions are subject to a minimum one calendar year expulsion, with possible case-by-case modification by the superintendent. If a student acts with malice and displays an instrument that appears to be a firearm on school premises, school-provided transportation, or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by a school, the student may be suspended or expelled for up to one year. The district shall also comply with federal protections for disabled students in the application of this policy.

School officials shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of known or suspected violations of this policy.

Cross References:

• Board Policy 3240 Student Conduct
• Board Policy 3241 Corrective Actions or Punishment

Legal References:

• RCW 9.41.280 Dangerous weapons on school grounds
• RCW 9A.16.020 Use of force—when lawful
• RCW 9.91.160 Personal Protection Spray devices
• RCW 28A.600.420 Firearms on school premises, transportation, or facilities—Penalty—Exemptions

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Adoption Date: 1/8/81
Revised: 2/11/99