Searches — Lockers and Personal Possessions Within A Locker*

* Notice required by Statute

In the interest of student safety and to ensure that schools are drug free, district authorities may conduct searches. Students violate school policy when they carry contraband on their person or in their personal possessions or store contraband in their desks, lockers, or vehicles parked on school property. “Contraband” means any unauthorized item, the possession of which is prohibited by school district policy and/or law. If a search yields contraband, school officials will seize the item(s) and, where appropriate, give the item(s) to legal officials for ultimate disposition. Students found to be in violation of this policy are subject to discipline in accordance with the school district’s “Student Discipline” policy, which may include suspension, exclusion, expulsion, and, when appropriate, the student may be referred to legal officials.

According to state law, school lockers are the property of the school district. At no time does the school district relinquish its exclusive control of lockers provided for the convenience of students. Inspection of the interior of lockers may be conducted by school officials for any reason at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

Students’ personal possessions within a school locker may be searched only when school officials have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence of a violation of law or school rules. As soon as practicable after the search of a student’s personal possessions, the school officials will provide notice of the search to students whose lockers were searched, unless disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation by police or school officials.

Whenever feasible, either the student involved or a third party will be present during the search.  Locks will be assigned to each student and only school locks are to be used on phy. ed. lockers. If a student uses their own lock, they must provide the office with the combination or key to open the lock or it will be removed.  Book lockers are equipped with a combination lock.

• LOCKING LOCKERS IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY.
• IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU DO NOT LEAVE MONEY, OR OTHER VALUABLE ITEMS IN YOUR LOCKER WITHOUT LOCKING THE LOCKER.