REGULATION OF DANGEROUS WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PREMISES

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:

F.    Persons engaged in military, law enforcement, or school district security activities;

G.   Persons involved in a school authorized convention, showing, demonstration, lecture or firearm safety course;

H.   Persons competing in school authorized firearm or air gun competitions; and

I.      Any federal, state or local law enforcement officer.

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

A.   Persons with concealed weapons permits issued pursuant to RCW 9.41.070 who are picking up or dropping off students; and

B.    Persons conducting legitimate business at the school and in lawful possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon if the weapon 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.

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. 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.

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

Management Resources:
Policy News, Ocober 1997 - Legislature also addresses “look-alike” firearms