Policy 3.26

Possession of Firearm by a School District Employee/Contractor/Visitor on School District Property

1. It is the intent of this Policy to clearly state that possession of firearms will not be tolerated on School District property.

2. Definitions:

1. "Firearm" means any weapon (including a starter gun or antique firearm) which will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any destructive device; or any machine gun.

2. "Independent Contractor" means any person or company other than a School District employee, who provides goods and/or services to the School District and enters into a contracted agreement with the School District.

3. "Employee" means any person hired by the School District after completing the personnel procedures required by the School District.

4. "Visitor" means any business or personal invitee including, but not limited to, parents, volunteers, family members of School District employees or friends of School District employees.

3. No person may possess or bring a firearm on School District property. Employees who possess or bring a firearm on School District property shall be terminated.

4. No person who has a firearm in their vehicle may park their vehicle on School District property. Employees who park on School District property, with a firearm in their vehicle will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

5. All Contract Agreements with Independent Contractors shall provide that if any employee of an Independent Contractor or Sub-Contractor is found to have brought a firearm on School District property, said employee will be terminated from the School District project by the Independent Contractor or the Sub-Contractor. If the Sub-Contractor fails to terminate said employee, the Sub-Contractor's Agreement with the Independent Contractor for the School District project shall be terminated. If the Independent Contractor fails to terminate said employee or fails to terminate the Agreement with the Sub-Contractor who fails to terminate said employee, the Independent Contractor's Agreement with the School District shall be terminated.

6. Except to the extent allowed by law, any visitor found to have brought a firearm on School District property shall be notified that all subsequent visits to School District property will be by appointment only, and that visits without prior appointment may result in a criminal action for trespass.

7. This Policy does not apply to any Law Enforcement Officer as defined in Section 943.10(1), (2), (3), (4), (6), (7), (8), (9), or (14), Florida State Statutes or any other employee/contractor or vendor who is required as part of his/her regular job responsibilities with the School District to carry a firearm as approved by the Superintendent or his/her Designee.