The North Allegheny School District strictly prohibits the possession, conveyance, use or storage of weapons or look-alikes on school property, at school-sponsored events, or in or around a school vehicle. This ban applies to students, employees, and visitors, even those who may have a legal permit to carry a weapon.

What is a weapon?
The Administration retains final authority in determining what constitutes a weapon, especially when evaluating potential danger. However, all of the following are considered weapons: knife blades, mace, pepper spray, cutting instruments, cutting tools, nun-chuck sticks, tazers, shockers, razor blades, brass knuckles, acid, metal pipes, sharpened woods, stun guns, firearms, pistols, shotguns, rifles, ammunition, explosive devices, fireworks, pyrotechnics, or any other instrument capable of inflicting serious injury.

Are there exceptions to this policy?
Law enforcement officials may carry weapons on school property. The Superintendent or authorized staff may issue exceptions for items such as cutting instruments used in art, tech ed or music classes, or weapons or look-alikes used for the instructional program.

What happens if the policy is violated?
All discoveries of any prohibited weapons on school property will be reported to local law enforcement officials and to the Office of Safe Schools, PA Department of Education.

Students: This is a Level IV violation of the Code of Conduct and will result in a mandatory one calendar-year expulsion from school for the possession of weapons. The Superintendent may recommend a modification of the one year expulsion on a case-by-case basis.

Employees: Violation entails suspension without pay, pending a disciplinary hearing. Penalties may include dismissal.

Visitors: The District will vigorously pursue prosecution through law enforcement agencies.

You may obtain a copy of the North Allegheny Board Policy #3520 from the School Board Secretary, 200 Hillvue Lane, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.