Waukesha School District Policy Updated to Include Firearm Information

The Waukesha School Board policy committee meeting approved revisions to the policy regarding weapons in school to include information about carrying concealed weapons.

The change was prompted by statewide laws allowing concealed carry, according to Superintendent Todd Gray.

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 1000 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 policy revisions will be sent to the full school board for approval.

The district will also post signs prohibiting weapons, prompted by questions from parents and others because some governmental organizations are allowing concealed carry in their buildings.

The signs would inform or remind people of state law prohibiting weapons in schools, Gray said at a recent board meeting, and could prevent people who may be carrying a gun from getting into trouble for bringing it into schools.