JICI – Dangerous Weapons On School Property

This Policy applies to school employees and students. This policy does not apply to any School Resource Officer(s) or other law enforcement officials that are present in the ConVal School District.  Weapons are not permitted in school buildings, on school property, in school buses or vehicles used to transport students, at school-sponsored activities, or in a Safe School Zone as defined in RSA 193-D at any time without the advanced written authorization of the Superintendent of Schools or designee. No employee or student shall possess, bring, or conceal, or aid, abet, or otherwise assist another person(s) in possessing, bringing, or concealing, any weapon on school property, in school buildings, in school busses or vehicles used to transport students, at school-sponsored activities, or in a Safe School Zone as defined in RSA 193-D.

The term “weapon” includes, but is not limited to, firearms (rifles, pistols, revolvers, guns of any form, pellet guns, air rifles, BB guns, etc.) including any device from which a shot or projectile of any nature can be fired, explosives, incendiaries, martial arts weapons (as defined by RSA 159:24), crossbows, slingshots, electronic defense or aerosol self-defense weapons (as defined by RSA 159:20), or any other device, instrument, material or substance which is used or threatened to be used in a manner likely to produce, or which is reasonably known to be capable of producing, death or bodily injury. Replicas (look-a-likes) of weapons may be treated as weapons within this Policy if they are used to frighten, harass, intimidate, or otherwise harm any person.

Additionally, this list is not intended to be exhaustive or all-inclusive. The principal may determine that any instrument, object or substance is a “weapon” within the intent of this Policy, if the principal believes that such instrument, object or substance was used or was intended to be used to inflict bodily harm on any person.

Violations of the policy will result in both disciplinary action and notification to the police. Disciplinary action may include suspension, expulsion, or termination.

Additionally, any student who is determined to have brought a firearm (as defined by Title 18 U.S.C. 921) to school will be expelled for not less than one year (365 days). The determination of whether to modify the expulsion shall be left to the discretion of the Superintendent upon review of the specific case in accordance with other applicable law.

Pursuant to the provisions of 20 U.S.C. § 7151, Gun-Free Schools Act, the Board requires the Superintendent to contact local law enforcement authorities and/or the Division of Children and Youth Services and notify them of any student who brings a firearm or weapon on school property.

The Superintendent or other building administrators may exercise his/her best judgment in determining the scope of this policy as it relates to inadvertent or unintentional violations of this policy by staff or students, provided such inadvertent or unintentional violation of this

policy does not affect the safety of students, school staff or the public.

When school is not in session, and school property is being used for a municipal event, such as voting, the municipal entity responsible for conducting the event shall determine whether otherwise lawful weapons will be permitted at that event.

The Superintendent shall ensure that all students will receive written notice of this policy at least once each year and will determine the method of notifying students (student handbook, mailing, etc.). The Superintendent will determine the method of notifying employees of this policy.

Legal References: 

18 U.S.C. § 921, Et seq., Firearms

20 U.S.C. § 7151, Gun-Free Schools Act RSA 193-D, Safe School Zones RSA 193:13, Suspension and Expulsion of Students

NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 317, Standards and Procedures for Suspension and Expulsion of Pupils Including Procedures Ensuring Due Process

Category: P – Required 

See also KFA

1st Read: September 20, 2022

2nd Read: October 4, 2022

Adopted: October 4, 2022