CODE: 5131.7
SECTION: PUPILS
WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS OR PROHIBITED INSTRUMENTS
The West Milford Board of Education prohibits the possession
and/or use of firearms, other weapons, or instruments which can be used as
weapons from school property, on a school bus, at any school function, or while
en route to or from school or any school function.
For the purpose of this policy “weapons” or “dangerous instruments” include but
are not limited to those items enumerated in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1r. The principal
shall make the final determination that a particular object is a dangerous
instrument in any case where there is a question of its possession or use posing
a threat to students, staff, or property.
Any pupil who is convicted or adjudicated delinquent for possession of a firearm
or a crime while armed with a firearm or found knowingly in possession of a
firearm on any school property, on a school bus, or at a school-based function
shall be immediately removed from the school’s regular education program pending
a hearing before the Board to remove the pupil from the regular education
program for a period of not less than one calendar year.
The principal/designee shall be responsible for the removal of such a pupil and
shall immediately report the removal to the Superintendent of Schools. The
Superintendent of Schools, with the approval of the Board, may modify a pupil’s
removal on a case-by-case basis. The principal shall also notify the appropriate
law enforcement agency of a possible violation of the New Jersey Code of
Criminal Justice.
A student found or observed on school property or at a school event in
possession of a weapon or dangerous instrument other than a firearm shall be
reported to the principal/designee immediately. The principal shall immediately
inform the Superintendent of Schools/designee and appropriate law enforcement
officials with all known information concerning the matter, including the
identity of the pupil involved.
The Superintendent of Schools, with the approval of the Board, shall determine
at the end of the year whether the student is prepared to return to the regular
education program in accordance with procedures established by the Commissioner
of Education.
Disciplinary action shall be taken against students who possess, handle,
transmit, or use firearms, other weapons, or dangerous instruments. Classified
students shall be disciplined in accordance with their IEP and in compliance
with law and administrative code. As in all disciplinary cases, due process will
be provided.
A violence and vandalism report shall be filed whenever a student is found to be
in possession of a firearm, other weapon, or dangerous instrument.
Remotely Activated Paging Devices (Beepers) and Cellular Phones
No student shall bring or possess a remotely activated paging device (beeper)
into any building or onto any property owned by the West Milford Board of
Education. The West Milford Board of Education does not encourage students to
bring cellular phones to school. Students who possess these devices while at
school or at a school-related educational activity are required to adhere to the
Board of Education Regulations for appropriate usage.
First Reading: September 25, 2007
Adopted: October 22, 2007