Procedure: 4315P

Section: 4000 - Community Relations

Title: Regulations of Dangerous Weapons on School Premises - Community Members

Status: Active

Adopted: November 23, 1993

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Procedure - Regulations of Dangerous Weapons on School Premises - Community Members

I. Introduction

The Ferndale School District seeks to provide all students and staff with a safe environment in which to learn and work. Therefore, no one will be allowed to carry firearms or dangerous weapons onto any school premise, vehicle or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by the Ferndale School District, unless covered under III, Exceptions, below.

II. Definitions

A. Firearms

A weapon or device from which a projectile may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder.

B. Other Dangerous Weapons

1. Nun-Chu-Ka Sticks: A devise consisting of two or more lengths of wood, metal, plastic or similar substance connected with rope, twine or other means;

2. Throwing Stars: Multi-pointed, metal objects designed to embed upon impact;

3. Air Gun: Any gun designed to propel a BB, pellet or other projectile by the discharge of compressed air, carbon dioxide, or other gas;

4. Physical Irritants: Any chemical which causes physical irritation to the human body, such as mace, pepper gas, tear gas, etc.; and

5. Miscellaneous: Weapons such as slingshot, sand club, metal knuckles, spring or switch blade knife, dagger

III. Exceptions

While the law and board policy are very clear that no one will have guns or other dangerous weapons on any school premises, the following are exceptions:

A. Any nonstudent engaged in military, law enforcement, or school district security activities;

B. Any nonstudent who has been issued a license to carry a firearm under RCW 9.41.070, while picking up or dropping off a student;

C. Any nonstudent at least eighteen (18) years of age legally in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon that is secured within an attended vehicle or concealed from view within a locked, unattended vehicle while conducting legitimate business at the school;

D. Any nonstudent at least eighteen (18) years of age who is in lawful possession of an unloaded firearm, secured in a vehicle while conducting legitimate business at school.

Except as permitted in A above, firearms are not permitted in any building that is owned and operated by the Ferndale School District.

IV. Superintendent's Responsibilities

The superintendent is directed to ensure that all school facilities have "GUN FREE ZONE" signs posted giving warning of the prohibition of the possession of firearms on school grounds.

The superintendent is further directed to submit the Weapons in Schools Form (see Attachment 1) to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Adopted: 11.23.1993

Revised: 09.09.1996; 01.18.2000