With the exception of those students who receive prior written permission from the Board of Education or its designee, no student including valid New York State permit holders may bring in or possess any "firearm" or "weapon" on school property, on a school bus or District vehicle, in school buildings, or at school sponsored activities or settings under the control or supervision of the District regardless of location. Any student who has been found guilty of bringing in or possessing a firearm or weapon in violation of this policy will be disciplined in a manner consistent with State and Federal law and the District's Code of Conduct. Such discipline may include a mandatory suspension for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year for a student who is determined to have violated the Federal Gun-Free Schools Act and its implementing provisions in the New York State Education Law, provided that the Superintendent may modify the suspension requirement on a case-by-case basis.

         Students who have brought a "weapon" or "firearm" to school will be referred by the Superintendent/Administrator to either a presentment agency (the agency or authority responsible for presenting a juvenile delinquency proceeding) or to appropriate law enforcement officials.

         For the purposes of this policy, the term "weapon" will be as defined in 18 USC 930(g)(2).

         For the purposes of this policy, the term "firearm" will be as defined in 18 USC 921(a).

Students with disabilities continue to be entitled to all rights enumerated in the Individuals with Disabilities Act and Education Law Article 89. This policy shall not be deemed to authorize suspension of students with disabilities in violation of those authorities.

This policy does not diminish the authority of the Board of Education to offer courses in instruction in the safe use of firearms pursuant to Education Law Section 809-a.

Gun-Free Schools Act as reauthorized by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

  18 USC Sections 921(a) and 930

Criminal Procedure Law Section 1.20(42)

Education Law Sections 809-a and 3214