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HCPSS / POLICIES

Policy 9250 Implementation Procedures - Weapons

Policy Document

Implementation Procedures

I. Dissemination of Information

  1. The Superintendent, school-based administrator, supervisor, or designee will annually notify all students, Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) employees, parents, and third parties that weapons are prohibited on school property, in a vehicle located on school property, and at school- related activities. Notification may be:

    1. Given via an announcement in person or over the public address system at the beginning of the school year and at other times as deemed appropriate.

    2. Published in the school newsletter and/or student/parent/staff handbooks.

    3. Posted for students and HCPSS employees (e.g., on bulletin boards in commonly used areas that may include the main office, teachers’ lounge, cafeteria, school counseling office, staff lounge, health room, stadium, and front entrances).

    4. Reviewed during student, HCPSS employee, and/or community presentations.

  2. New students to HCPSS and their parents will receive notification through the registration process.

  3. On a quarterly basis, school safety lessons will be provided and shared with students that reiterate proactive approaches and policy highlights.

II. Student Violation of Policy

  1. If a person suspects that a student is in violation of this weapons policy, they should immediately report the student and a description of the incident to a school-based administrator/designee, who will determine if a violation has occurred. If a firearm or gun are in sight, HCPSS emergency protocols should be immediately followed.

  2. If a school-based administrator/designee determines that a student is in possession of a weapon, the school-based administrator/designee will assess the severity of the situation and take appropriate action as follows:

    1. If the student is in possession of a firearm or other weapon that poses a serious and immediate threat to the student or others, the school-based administrator/designee will, whenever possible, isolate the student, secure the area, contact the local law enforcement agency, and activate emergency protocols as appropriate.

    2. If the student is in possession of a weapon that does not pose a serious and immediate threat to the student or others, the school-based administrator/designee will secure the weapon.

    3. Disciplinary action will be taken using the HCPSS Student Code of Conduct and in accordance with Policy 9200 Student Discipline. When applicable, the weapons policy and any consequences imposed will be in accordance with Policy 9210 Student Dress Code.

    4. The school-based administrator/designee will communicate with the Division of Schools to determine what type of community and Board message, if any, is needed as it relates to incidents involving the presence of weapons on school property or at school-related activities. For incidents where a firearm or gun are involved, communication to the community and Board will always occur.

III. HCPSS Employee Violation of Policy

  1. If a person suspects that a HCPSS employee is in violation of this weapons policy, they should immediately report the person and a description of the incident to a school-based administrator, supervisor, or designee who will determine if a violation has occurred. If a firearm or gun are in sight, HCPSS emergency protocols should be immediately followed.

  2. If a school-based administrator, supervisor, or designee determines that a HCPSS employee is in possession of a weapon, the school-based administrator, supervisor, or designee will assess the severity of the situation and take appropriate action as follows:

    1. If the employee is in possession of a firearm or other weapon that poses a serious and immediate threat to others, the school-based administrator, supervisor, or designee will contact the local law enforcement agency.

    2. If the employee is in possession of a weapon that does not pose a serious and immediate threat to others, the school-based administrator, supervisor, or designee will secure the weapon.

  3. If a person suspects that a HCPSS employee is in possession of a weapon and no school-based administrator, supervisor, or designee is available, they should report the incident to the local law enforcement agency.

  4. Employees who violate this policy will be disciplined in accordance with Policy 7030 Employee Conduct and Discipline.

IV. Possession of a weapon by a third party on school grounds will result in referral to Howard County Police Department (HCPD) to address the violation.

V. Other

With prior approval of the school-based administrator/designee, permanently inoperable weapons of significance may be brought to school as part of an instructional activity.

VI. Monitoring

Policy 9250 implementation procedures will be overseen by the Division of Schools.

VII. History1

ADOPTED: January 25, 1990

REVIEWED: January 17, 2024

MODIFIED:

REVISED:

  • May 14, 1992

  • June 23, 1994

  • September 14, 1995

  • March 22, 2005

  • April 12, 2012

  • April 9, 2025

EFFECTIVE: July 1, 2025

Policy History Key

  • Adopted-Original date the Board took action to approve a policy
  • Reviewed-The date the status of a policy was assessed by the Superintendent’s Standing Policy Group
  • Modified-The date the Board took action to alter a policy that based on the recommendation of the Superintendent/designee did not require a comprehensive examination
  • Revised-The date the Board took action on a that policy based on the recommendation of the Superintendent/designee needed a comprehensive examination
  • Effective-The date a policy is implemented throughout the HCPSS, typically July 1 following Board action.