Removal of Students for Firearms Offenses

The Board of Education is committed to providing a safe and secure school environment to all students attending the public schools.  To provide this environment, the Board of Education will implement policies and procedures regarding student offenses involving firearms, as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1(f) and 18 U.S.C. §921, pursuant to The Zero Tolerance For Guns Act, N.J.S.A. 18A:37-7 through N.J.S.A. 37-12.

Policy and Regulation 5611 shall apply to a student who is convicted or adjudicated delinquent for possession of a firearm on school grounds, convicted or adjudicated delinquent for committing a crime while in possession of a firearm on school grounds, or found knowingly in possession of a firearm on school grounds.  A student, other than a student with a disability, convicted or adjudicated delinquent for these firearm offenses shall be immediately removed from the school’s general education program for a period of not less than one calendar year and placed in an alternative education program according to the requirements of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-9.1 et seq.  The Superintendent may modify on a case-by-case basis the removal of a general education student in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.5(b)1.  A student with a disability convicted or adjudicated delinquent for these firearm offenses shall be immediately removed in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:14 and applicable Federal regulations and shall receive a placement in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:14.   

The Principal or designee shall remove the student in accordance with the requirements outlined in N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.5(d), which includes notifying the appropriate law enforcement agency of a possible violation of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice. 

If it is found that the removed student did not commit these firearm offenses, the student shall be immediately returned to the program from which he or she was removed.

The Superintendent shall make the final determination on whether the general education student removed in accordance with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.5 and this Policy is prepared to return to the general education program or will remain in an alternative education program, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-9.1 et seq., or receive home or other out-of-school instruction, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-10 based on the criteria outlined in N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.5(i).