Automobile Inspections
Scholar vehicles on school property may be inspected or searched by building administrators or security personnel when there is reasonable suspicion to justify a search.
Any scholar who refuses to permit the search of a vehicle on school property shall forfeit the right to park on school property, without further hearing or appeal.
Scholars may also be disciplined or expelled for denying access when there is reasonable suspicion.
Breath Test
The District may authorize the use of a portable Breathalyzer when there is reasonable suspicion or belief that a scholar is under the influence of alcohol. The District also reserves the right to utilize such a device at any school-sponsored event, either on or off-campus. Failure to submit to a request to be tested may result in disciplinary action.
Police will be notified of scholars who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A Parent/Guardian will be contacted immediately and must pick-up the scholar from school and/or school-sponsored event.
Canine and Other Searches
The District may use trained canines and other detection equipment to search for contraband, illegal or unauthorized drugs, synthetic drugs, alcohol or weapons. Scholars should not expect privacy regarding items placed in school property because school property is subject to search at any time by School Officials.
Desk and Storage Area Searches
A desk or other storage area provided by the District for scholar use, as well as the contents, may be searched by administrators or security personnel when there is reasonable suspicion for a search. Scholars may be disciplined or expelled for interfering with a search.
Electronic Devices
Principals may search District-owned electronic devices and their contents at any time, without notice, and without parent(s)/guardian(s) or scholar consent. Random searches may be conducted pursuant to a method and/or schedule approved by the Superintendent.
Electronic devices brought onto school property by scholars are subject to search if there is a reasonable suspicion that their contents may present a threat or potential threat to the health, safety, or welfare of scholars, staff, or to the school in general.
Additionally, the school may search an electronic device if there is reasonable suspicion that a search may uncover evidence of a violation of school policy or state or federal law.
Locker Searches
Scholar lockers are school property and remain at all times under the control of the District. Scholars are expected to assume full responsibility for the security of their lockers and their contents. A Principal (or designee) may search a scholar’s locker and contents at any time with or without notice, without scholar consent and without a search warrant.
In the course of a search, the scholar’s privacy rights shall be respected regarding any item that is not illegal or against school policy. However, the school may search such items if there is reasonable individualized suspicion that the item contains other items, which violate Board policy or applicable law.
If a scholar interferes with a search, the scholar may be disciplined or expelled. A law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the school may assist school personnel in conducting a search of a scholar’s locker and contents at the request of a Principal (or designee), provided the search is conducted in accordance with District policy.
Pursuant to Public Act 87, any evidence obtained as a result of a search of a scholar’s locker or contents shall not be inadmissible in any court or administrative proceeding, including (but not limited to) any disciplinary hearing pursuant to the Uniform Discipline Code because the search violated PA 87, or District policy adopted pursuant to PA 87.
Metal Detectors
The District reserves the right to use walk-through or hand-held metal detectors with scholars on a random, unannounced basis. Failure to submit to a sweep may result in disciplinary action.
Personal Search of Scholar
A scholar’s personal effects (purse, book bag, athletic bag, backpack and so on) may be searched whenever a School Official has reasonable suspicion that a scholar is in possession of illegal or unauthorized material or evidence in violation of the Uniform Discipline Code. If a search yields illegal or contraband materials the District shall notify police as appropriate. Also see Police Notification.
Video or Other Cameras
The District reserves the right to videotape scholar activities and behavior on buses and in common areas within school buildings, with or without specific advance notice. Also see School Surveillance.
