Search and Seizure

To maintain order and discipline in the schools and to protect the health, safety and welfare of students and school personnel, school authorities may search a student, student lockers or student automobiles under the circumstances outlined below and may seize any illegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials discovered in the search.

As used in this section, the term "unauthorized" means any item dangerous to the health or safety of students or school personnel, or disruptive of any lawful function, mission or process of the school, or any item described as unauthorized in school rules available beforehand to the student.

Student desks and lockers are the property of the school, and may be used for the storage of permitted student belongings only. School officials retain locker combinations and reserve the right to search desks and lockers as well as to open lockers at any time for repairs. A general search of lockers or desks may be conducted to repossess school property or to locate illegal materials. A random, systemic, non-selective search of student classrooms, desks, lockers or automobiles may be conducted by school officials in accordance with a predetermined search formula. Students are responsible for the content of their assigned locker at all times.

The student's individual right to privacy and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure is balanced by the school's responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all persons within the school community. Per School Board Policy JFG, a personal search may include requiring a student to be scanned with a metal detector.

Should illegal materials be found during a search, law enforcement officials should be notified. The locations at which searches of students and student property may be conducted are not limited to the school building or school property, but may be conducted wherever the student is involved in a school-sponsored function.

The school may allow canine detection initiatives for contraband with respect to school property at any time. This includes school-controlled property such as lockers, desks, and vehicles parked on school property or at school-related events. Students who drive to school or to school-related events, wherever they may take place, must give irrevocable consent to search their motor vehicle for contraband, in accordance with acceptable procedures and the law. This includes permission for canine detection initiatives for contraband in motor vehicles.