School Board Looks to Changes Weapons, FMLA Policies

The Waukesha School Board recently heard first readings of policy changes for the school district’s policies regarding weapons in schools and for the district’s policy regarding the Family Medical Leave Act.

These policies will be voted on at January’s meeting.

The changes in the weapons policy was prompted by statewide laws allowing concealed carry, according to the district. However, under existing laws, weapons of any kind are not allowed in schools, concealed or otherwise.

Additional information about firearms was added to the district policy. According to the policy, the concealed carry law applies much differently on school grounds: possessing a firearm in school is a Class 1 felony and it is a Class B forfeiture to possess a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school.

Some exemptions were noted, for example, law enforcement officers or for use in a program approved by the district.

The policy was also updated to include school district employees in addition to students: “Any student or employee violating this policy shall be subject to penalties outlined in state law, may be suspended and may be reviewed for suspension.”

The district’s policy regarding the Family Medical Leave Act was revised due to changes at the state level. Also, a new guideline for implementing leave of absence under FLMA was developed.