The St. Mary Parish School System has a zero tolerance for weapons.  The principal shall immediately suspend a student pending a hearing who is found carrying or possessing a firearm or knife, or other dangerous instrumentalities.  The student shall be suspended /expelled from school according to the following procedures:

1. Possession of Firearms
   1. Students 16 years or older and under 16 years and in grades 6 through 12, who are found guilty of possession of a firearm on School Board property, or on a school bus, on in actual possession in a school-sponsored event, shall be expelled for a maximum period of time allowable under state law for a minimum period of (4) four complete school semesters, and referred to the District Attorney’s Office.
   2. Students in Grades K through 5 who are found guilty of possession of a firearm on School Board property, or on a school bus, or in actual possession at a school sponsored event shall be expelled for a maximum period of time allowable under state law, for a maximum period of (2) two complete school semesters and may be referred to the District Attorney’s Office.
      
      
2. Possession of Weapons
   1. Students in possession of a knife with a blade( 2 and ½ inches or more), or other dangerous instrumentalities, shall be suspended / expelled according to the following procedures:
      1. Students may be expelled from the St. Mary Parish Public School System for the maximum period of time allowable under state law, for a minimum period of (2) two complete school semesters.
      2. For students in grades Pre-K through 5, the principal shall immediately suspend a student who is found carrying or possessing a knife the blade of which equals or exceeds two and ½ inches in length. He also shall immediately recommend the student's expulsion, except in the case of a student less than eleven years of age.

Updated 07/09/2021
Kenneth Holmes