Policy-Code-JICI

Section J - Students

Policy Title: Weapons In School
Policy Code: JICI

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No student shall carry or possess a weapon or simulated weapon on school premises without authorization by a school administrator. No student shall use or threaten to use a weapon or simulated weapon to disrupt any activity of the District.

Any employee who observes any person in possession of a weapon or simulated weapon on school premises shall immediately report the matter to the school administrator. A school administrator who observes or receives a report of a student possessing a weapon on school premises shall immediately take appropriate safety and disciplinary actions in accordance with District policies and shall immediately report a violation of this policy to a peace officer, pursuant to A.R.S. 15-515, if the weapon is a deadly weapon or the student is a minor in possession of a firearm.

A student who violates this policy by carrying or possessing a firearm shall be placed in an alternative education program for a period of not less than one (1) year, suspended for a period of not less than one (1) year, or expelled and not be readmitted within a one-year period, if ever. The Governing Board, in its sole discretion, may modify the one-year duration of such disciplinary action on a case-by-case basis.

A student who violates this policy by any means other than carrying or possessing a firearm shall be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to expulsion. Disciplinary action against a student with one (1) or more disabilities shall be applied on a case-by-case basis in accordance with District policies and state and federal special education laws.

For the purposes of this policy:

• Weapon means any of the following:
  • A firearm
  • A knife, other than a folding pocket knife with a blade length of not more than 2-1/2 inches that cannot be locked in an open position.
  • A destructive device
  • A dangerous instrument
• Simulated weapon means an instrument displayed or represented as a weapon.
• Firearm means any of the following:
  • Any loaded or unloaded gun that will, that is designed to, or that may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive
  • The frame or receiver of any such firearm
  • Any firearm muffler or silencer
  • Any explosive, incendiary, poison gas, bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four (4) ounces, missile having an explosive charge of more than one-fourth (1/4) ounce, mine, or similar device.
  • Any combination of parts that could be readily assembled to form a firearm.
• Destructive device means:
  • Any device other than a firearm that will, or is designed to, or may be readily converted to expel a projectile by any means of propulsion, such as a BB/pellet gun, slingshot, bow, or crossbow.
  • Any collection of parts that could be readily assembled to form a destructive device.
• Dangerous instrument means anything other than a firearm, knife, or destructive device that is carried or possessed by a student for the purpose of being used or being available for use to cause death or inflict serious physical injury.
• School premises means the school, school grounds, school buses, or any premises, grounds, or vehicles used for school purposes and includes premises where school-sponsored events (for example, athletic games and competitions, music competitions, etc.) are held away from District property.
• Deadly weapon means any weapon designed for lethal use, including a firearm.

Adopted: July 12, 2005
Revised: July 27, 2010
Revised: August 14, 2012 [Format Change Only]
Revised: December 5, 2012 [Cross Reference Correction Only]
Reviewed: June 3, 2013

LEGAL REF.: A.R.S. 13-2911 Interference with or disruption of an educational institution
15-341 General Powers and Duties
15-841 Responsibilities of Pupils
13-3102 Misconduct involving weapons
15-342 Discretionary powers
15-843 Pupil disciplinary proceedings
13-3111 Minors prohibited from carrying or possessing firearms
15-515 Duty to report violations occurring on school premises
20 U.S.C. 7151 Gun-free requirements

CROSS REF: JI – Student Rights and Responsibilities
JIH – Student Interviews, Searches, and Arrests
JK – Student Discipline