Appendix D — Weapons and Dangerous Items Policy

Full policy text. Also summarized in Section 7.

It is the policy of the Board of Education that a student shall not possess, use, handle, or transfer any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon on any property owned or leased by a school district, at any school function, or on any school transportation.

Category 1 — Firearms and Explosive Devices

Weapons in this category include any handgun, firearm, rifle, shotgun, or similar weapon; any explosive compound or incendiary device; and any other dangerous weapon as defined in O.C.G.A. § 16-11-121, including a rocket launcher, bazooka, recoilless rifle, mortar, or hand grenade.

Students who possess any Category 1 weapon in violation of this policy are subject to a minimum one calendar year expulsion. The Superintendent may reduce this term before or after a Tribunal referral if the one-year expulsion appears excessive. The Tribunal may also modify the requirement on a case-by-case basis. The Board of Education may further reduce the punishment on appeal but will consider whether a reduction was previously evaluated and any rationale for denying it.

Category 2 — Hazardous Objects

Hazardous objects include any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade, ballistic knife, or any other knife; straight-edge razor or razor blade; spring stick; brass or metal knuckles; blackjack; bat, club, or bludgeon; flailing instrument (nunchaku/fighting chain); throwing star or oriental dart; non-lethal air gun; or stun gun/Taser. Items in this category used for authorized classroom work are excluded from this policy.

Students who possess Category 2 items will be disciplined according to the Code of Conduct offense matrix (Code 22, 23, or 28 as applicable).

Definition of Possession

"Possession" means having a substance or object on one's person — including holding it for any length of time, even a few seconds — or having it under one's control in any location, including a pocket, book bag, purse, vehicle, or locker.

Reporting Requirements

Any school employee who has reasonable cause to believe a student possesses a Category 1 weapon, is involved in an assault with a Category 2 weapon, or commits a second weapon offense on campus must report it immediately to the principal or assistant principal. If the principal has reasonable cause to believe the report is valid, they must immediately make an oral report to the Superintendent, the appropriate law enforcement agency, and the district attorney. The student's parents or guardians will be notified immediately.

Students will be provided with a copy of the Code of Conduct detailing prohibited conduct regarding weapons and possible disciplinary actions.