7217 - WEAPONS
The Board prohibits visitors and volunteers from possessing, storing, making, or using a weapon in any setting that is under the control and supervision of the District for the purpose of school activities approved and authorized by the District including, but not limited to, property leased, owned, or contracted for by the District, a school-sponsored event, or in a District vehicle to the extent permitted by law. Policies regarding staff members are found in Policy 3217 and Policy 4217. The policy pertaining to students is found in Policy 5772.
This prohibition for visitors and volunteers does not apply to unloaded firearms in a locked vehicle or locked firearms case, or to separately stored ammunition, that is on any part of school grounds used as a parking facility.
A volunteer may transport students for school-sponsored events or school‑related purposes in their own vehicle only if any and all firearms in said vehicle are cased, unloaded and in a trunk or separate compartment while transporting such students. This does not apply to the transportation of students related by blood or marriage to the volunteer member if only such students are being transported.
Concealed Carry Permit Holders
No parent or other volunteer may carry or in any fashion possess a concealed weapon, whether they hold a permit or not, while transporting students in a District-owned vehicle. Additionally, anyone, including a holder of a concealed carry permit license issued or recognized by the State of Wisconsin, is prohibited by virtue of 948.605(2)(b)1r, Wis. Stats., from possessing a concealed weapon anywhere in or on school grounds including parking areas.
Definition of “Weapon”
The term “weapon” means any object which, in the manner in which it is used, is intended to be used, or is represented, is capable of inflicting serious bodily harm or property damage, as well as endangering the health and safety of persons. Weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms (including, but not limited to firearms as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3)), guns of any type, including air and gas-powered guns (whether loaded or unloaded), knives (subject to the exceptions below), razors with unguarded blades, clubs, electric weapons (as defined in 941.295 (1c)(a), Wis. Stats.), metallic knuckles, martial arts weapons, chemical agents, ammunition, and explosives.
Exceptions to this policy include:
- weapons under the control of law enforcement personnel while on duty, or qualified former law enforcement officers, off duty law enforcement officers, or out-of-state law enforcement officers;
- contracted personnel that are authorized by law to carry weapons in the course of their professional duties and for which the District and the contracted entity have a contract that authorizes employees of the contracted entity to carry a weapon on school grounds and in school buildings in the performance of their duties (i.e. armored transport services);
- items approved by a Principal,as part of a class or individual presentation under adult supervision, including, but not limited to hunters' education courses, if used for the purpose of and in the manner approved (working firearms, except those protected at all times by a cable or trigger lock, and live ammunition shall never be approved);
- theatrical props used in appropriate settings; and
- starter pistols used in appropriate sporting events.
The District Administrator may refer a visitor or volunteer who violates this policy to law enforcement officials. The visitor or volunteer may also be subject to other action such as loss of volunteer status at the sole discretion of the Board.
Any staff member who has reason to believe that a person has or will violate this policy shall report to the school Principal or their supervisor immediately. Failure to report such information may subject the staff member to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. The staff member may also confront the person if the staff member believes the risk of injury to self or others is minimal or if immediate action is necessary to prevent injury to any person.
This policy shall be published and distributed to staff members annually. Publication is not a precondition to enforcement of this policy.
Revised 3/10/15
T.C. 7/9/24
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