JFCJ-Weapons in Schools**

Code: JFCJ
Adopted: 11/16/22

Students shall not bring, possess, conceal or use a weapon on or at any property under the jurisdiction of the district, any activities under the jurisdiction of the district or any interscholastic activities administered by a voluntary organization.

In accordance with the federal Gun-Free School Zone Act, possession or discharge of a firearm in a school zone is prohibited. A “school zone,” as defined by federal law, means in or on school grounds or within 1,000 feet of school grounds.

The superintendent may authorize persons to possess weapons for courses, programs and activities approved by the district and conducted on district property including, but not limited to, hunter safety courses. The district will post a notice at any site or premise off district grounds that at the time is being used exclusively for a school program or activity. The notice shall identify the district as the sponsor, the activity as a school function and that the possession of firearms or dangerous weapons in or on the site or premises is prohibited under Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 166.370.

For purposes of this policy, and as defined by state and federal law, “weapon” includes:

1. A “dangerous weapon” means any weapon, device, instrument, material or substance, which under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used or threatened to be used is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury;
2. A “deadly weapon” means any instrument, article or substance specifically designed for and presently capable of causing death or serious physical injury;
3. A “firearm” means any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, frame or receiver of any such weapon, any firearm muffler or silencer or any destructive device;
4. A “destructive device” includes but is not limited to any explosive, incendiary or poison gas component or any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into any destructive device or from which a destructive device may be readily assembled. A destructive device does not include any device which is designed primarily or redesigned primarily for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line-throwing, safety or similar device.

Weapons may also include, but are not limited to, knives, metal knuckles, straight razors, noxious or irritating gases, poisons, unlawful drugs or other items fashioned with the intent to use, sell, harm, threaten or harass students, staff members, parents and community members.

Replicas of weapons, fireworks and pocket knives are also prohibited by Board policy. Exceptions to the district’s replicas prohibition may be granted only with prior principal approval for certain curriculum or school-related activities.

Prohibited weapons, replicas of weapons, fireworks and pocket knives are subject to seizure or forfeiture.

In accordance with Oregon law, any district employee who has reasonable cause to believe a student or other person, while in a school, is or within the previous 120 days has been in possession of a firearm or destructive device, as defined by this policy, shall immediately report such violation to an administrator or designee or law enforcement. Any district employee who has reasonable cause to believe that a person, while in a school, is or has been in possession of a firearm or destructive device more than 120 days previously, may report to law enforcement. Employees who report directly to law enforcement shall also immediately inform an administrator.

Administrators shall promptly notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of staff reports received and at any other time there is reasonable cause to believe violations for firearms or destructive devices have occurred or that a student has been expelled for bringing, possessing, concealing or using a dangerous or deadly weapon, firearm or destructive device.

A person making a report as described above who has reasonable grounds for making the report is immune from liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed with respect to the making or content of the report. The identity of a person participating in a good faith report as described above may not be disclosed except when allowed by law.

Parents will be notified of all conduct by their student that violates this policy.

Employees shall promptly report all other conduct prohibited by this policy to an administrator.

Students determined to have brought, possessed, concealed or used a firearm, as defined in policy, in violation of this policy or state law shall be expelled from school for a period of not less than one year. All other violations of the policy will result in discipline and may include expulsion and/or referral to law enforcement, as appropriate. The superintendent may, on a case-by-case basis, modify this expulsion requirement. The superintendent may propose alternative programs of instruction or instruction combined with counseling that are appropriate and accessible to the student, and shall provide such information in writing to the student and the parent in accordance with law1. Appropriate disciplinary and/or legal action will be taken against students or others who assist in activity prohibited by this policy.

Special education students shall be disciplined in accordance with federal law and Board policy JGDA – Discipline of Students with Disabilities and accompanying administrative regulation.

“Gun-Free School Zone” signs may be posted in cooperation with city and/or county officials as appropriate. Violations, unless otherwise excepted by law or this policy, shall be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

The superintendent will annually report the name of each school and the number of students from each listed schools expelled for bringing, possessing, concealing or using a firearm to the Oregon Department of Education.

END OF POLICY


At least once every six months or at any time the information changes because of the availability of new programs.


Legal Reference(s):
ORS 161.015
ORS 166.210 - 166.370
ORS 166.382
ORS 332.107
ORS 339.115
ORS 339.240
ORS 339.250
ORS 339.315
OAR 581-021-0050 - 0075
OAR 581-053-0010(5)
OAR 581-053-0230(9)(k)
OAR 581-053-0330(1)(r)
OAR 581-053-0430(17)
OAR 581-053-0531(16)

Gun-Free School Zones Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 921(a)(25)-(26), 922(q) (2018).
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. §§ 1400-1419 (2018).
Youth Handgun Safety Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(x), 924(a)(6) (2018).
Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, 20 U.S.C. §§ 7101, 7111-7121 (2018).

Cross Reference(s):

JFCM - Threats of Violence
JG - Student Discipline
JGDA - Discipline of Disabled Students