Zero Tolerance Policy

  • In an effort to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff in the St. Mary Parish School system, the St. Mary Parish School Board has adopted and enforces a Zero Tolerance Policy.

    The Zero Tolerance Policy is defined as a philosophy that the St. Mary Parish School Board will not allow, permit, condone, support, withstand, or endure any behavior that is detrimental to the safety, security, and welfare of all students and staff. Thus, the St. Mary Parish School system will do everything within its legal power to impose the strictest sanction.

    The infractions listed below constitute offenses of this Zero Tolerance Policy and will result in suspension and/or expulsion and possible charges being filed with the local law enforcement agency as warranted.

    1. Drugs – unauthorized possession, transfer, use, or sale of drugs.
      (Recommend expulsion) (Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

    2. Drug paraphernalia – unauthorized possession, transfer, or sale of paraphernalia used in drug use.
      (Recommend expulsion) Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

    3. Arson – the willful and malicious burning of any part of a building or its contents.
      (Recommend expulsion) Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

    4. Battery upon school board employee – the actual unlawful and intentional touching or striking of a school board employee against his or her will, or the intentional causing of bodily harm to a School Board employee.
      (Recommend expulsion) (Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

    5. Stealing/Larceny/Grand Theft – the intentional unlawful taking and/or carrying away of property valued at $100 or more belonging to or in the lawful possession or custody of another.
      (Recommend suspension or expulsion) (Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

    6. Burglary of school property – breaking, entering, or remaining in a structure or conveyance without justification or excuse during the hours the premises are closed to the public.
      (Recommend suspension or expulsion) (Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

    7. Criminal mischief – willful and malicious injury or damages more than $200 to public property, or to real or personal property belonging to another.
      (Recommend suspension or expulsion) (Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

    8. Possession of firearm(s) – any firearm which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of any explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; any similar destructive device.
      (Recommend expulsion) (Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

    9. Possession of weapons – possession of a knife, including but not limited to a switchblade knife; metallic knuckles; tear gas gun; chemical weapon or device; or any other weapon, instrument, or object that may be used as a weapon.
      (Recommend expulsion) (Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

    10. Bomb threat – any such communication directed at a school board employee or building that has the effect of interrupting the educational environment.
      (Recommend expulsion) (Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

    11. Explosive – preparing, possessing, or igniting on school board property explosives likely to cause serious bodily or property damage.
      (Recommend expulsion) (Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

    12. Sexual acts – acts of sexual nature including, but not limited to, battery, intercourse, attempted rape, or rape.
      (Recommend expulsion) (Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

    13. Aggravated battery – intentionally causing great bodily harm, disability, or permanent disfigurement; use of a deadly weapon.
      (Recommend expulsion) (Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

    14. Inciting or participating in major student disorder – leading, encouraging, or assisting in major disruptions that place students, staff, and the educational process at risk or which result in destruction or damage of private or public property or personal injury to participants or others.
      (Recommend suspension or expulsion) (Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

    15. Convicted felon – any student who has committed an act that if committed by an adult, would have constituted a felony.
      (Recommend expulsion) (Refer to FELONY)

    16. Fights – any junior high/senior high student guilty of battery.
      (Recommend suspension or expulsion) (Refer to FIGHTING POLICY)

    17. Third party fights – where multiple students (three or more) are involved.
      (Recommend disciplinary hearing with a possibility of expulsion) (Refer to FIGHTING POLICY)

    18. Any Class I or Class II offense that has been continued.
      (Recommend suspension of expulsion) (Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

    19. Any other offense that the principal/designee may reasonably deem to fall within this category or that state law or parish policy places within this violation category.
      (Recommend expulsion) (Refer to SUSPENSION – CLASS III VIOLATIONS (MAJOR))

     

    Updated 07/09/2021
    Kenneth Holmes