Board keeps weapons definition tied to state code, adds timing for notifying parents when police may be involved

The board reviewed Policy 218.1 (Weapons) on Jan. 29 and discussed whether the policy’s current definition — which mirrors Pennsylvania School Code language — is too broad in practice, potentially exposing students who bring innocuous items (scissors, clippers, nail files) to severe disciplinary consequences.

Administrators and the solicitor’s guidance Administrators and counsel noted the policy language is grounded in the state school code (section referenced in the meeting as 13.17.2) and that some school districts have stricter "zero-tolerance" approaches while others rely on superintendent discretion and superintendent hearings to avoid automatic expulsions. Superintendent Doctor Perry said the district already routes level‑4 weapon possession cases to the superintendent for review rather than applying automatic expulsions in all circumstances.

Law enforcement information-sharing Board members had a related concern about administration selectively reporting facts to responding officers. The subcommittee agreed to add clarifying language in the law-enforcement notification section: the superintendent or designee shall immediately report required incidents and provide available information gathered through the district’s investigation to the responding law-enforcement agency; the board also added the phrase "as soon as practicable" to the paragraph saying the administrator shall inform the parent/guardian whether the local police department has been or may be notified.

Motion and outcome The subcommittee voted to adopt the edits discussed (add "available information gathered through the investigation" when reporting to law enforcement, and add "as soon as practicable" to timing language about notifying parents/guardians). Board members decided not to attempt a substantive redefinition of "weapon" at this meeting and suggested legal counsel and an executive session review if the board wants to pursue definitional changes.

Ending The superintendent said she will bring any solicitor-reviewed language or requests for executive session back to the board; in the meantime, level‑4 incidents will continue to be routed to the superintendent for review and families will be informed "as soon as practicable" when law enforcement may be notified.