CdA Weapons Policy Under Review
Coeur d’Alene school leaders hope to change a rigid discipline policy they say is too harsh on students who accidentally bring to school a pocketknife or something similar. Kids as young as 5 who have a small knife, perhaps left in their coat or backpack after fishing or camping with their families, are automatically suspended for five to 10 days and must go before the school board to face possible expulsion. That happens even if the student turns the knife in to a teacher or staff member. “We have to follow the policies of the district, and right now our hands are tied,” said Bill Rutherford, principal at Fernan Elementary School. “The only policy option we have is to request an expulsion hearing.” The Coeur d’Alene School Board met for 50 student disciplinary hearings this past school year, and about 20 were for incidents like these/Scott Maben, SR. More here. (Kathy Plonka SR photo: A Fernan Elementary School employee displays some confiscated items, including pocketknives and slingshots, at the school in Coeur d’Alene on June 6)
Question: Should Coeur d'Alene schools make their weapons policy more flexible?