A Scottsbluff High School student expelled for possessing a firearm on school grounds had reportedly used the weapon for hunting purposes. There was no intent to cause harm to anyone, officials say.
According to a Scottsbluff Police Report, Assistant Principal Dustin Shaddick alerted School Resource Officer Steve Lopez that a firearm had been found on school grounds the morning of Dec. 2.
A female student reported to her boyfriend that she had seen the weapon and ammunition in a 17-year-old male student's vehicle and school officials were alerted.
“The weapon has been described to me as a shotgun,” Scottsbluff Public Schools Superintendent Rick Myles said.
Scotts Bluff Police Captain Brian Wasson confirmed that police confiscated the weapon, which he said had been placed under the seat of a vehicle. Wasson said the student told police that he used the weapon for hunting and had left it in his vehicle.
“The student has been described as a good kid, who unfortunately, messed up,” Wasson said. “He was cooperative with the investigation.”
The student, who was not cited or arrested, has not been named. Wasson said a report of the incident has been forwarded to the Scotts Bluff County Attorney's Office for consideration of charges.
School district policy calls for expulsion of a student carrying, possessing or displaying firearms, weapons or other dangerous objects on school grounds, according to the Scottsbluff High School Handbook. Myles explained that the policy is required by the state's Student Discipline Act.
The act requires that all schools adopt a policy requiring a student be expelled for at least one full calendar year. A federal gun-free schools act also calls for the mandatory one-year expulsion. Both acts do say that the superintendent or a chief administering officer can modify the expulsion on an individual basis.
“The state law, and our feelings as well, are that you can't ever tolerate (possession of a firearm on school grounds),” Myles said, saying he didn't believe that the circumstances of the incident do not warrant modification of the one-year expulsion. “Kids know it, families know it. We communicate these things very clearly.”
The student can request a hearing appealing the expulsion; however, Myles said he believes state statute and school policy is clear on the expulsion penalty. If the student requests a hearing, an “objective officer” will hear the case. There are alternatives, including long-distance learning and online opportunities, for the student to continue his education.
“We are confident that we will be able to serve the student who has been expelled so that it doesn't have to become a tragic thing for the student.”
He said parents and the public have a “basic expectation” and expect the school district to guarantee that weapons will not be allowed or tolerated at school.
“We are taking this opportunity to remind people ... while hunting is a common hobby in the area, and it is very easy for there to be a gun left in a truck or vehicle, it is important to realize that there are no negotiations on this.”
High school students were made aware of the incident and reminded of the policy during school Thursday, Myles said. Parents will also be sent written communication restating the policies.
“Even if it is the most innocent intentions, it (possessing a weapon on school grounds) can have some devastating effects for kids. We want other families to understand that we don't mess with it and it is not something that we sweep under the rug.”
The student could face a charge of unlawful possession of a weapon on school grounds, which constitutes a Class IV felony under Nebraska State Statute. The offense had been a Class II misdemeanor until 2009, when the Nebraska Legislature adopted LB 63, a bill stiffening penalties for specific offenses aimed at reducing gang-related violence. It is also a federal criminal violation to possess a weapon on school property.
Nebraska also has laws that regulate the possession of a firearm by a minor.
When asked if the issue raises any concerns about a need for stricter security, such as implementing the use of metal detectors or other measures, to prevent a weapon from coming inside the school, Myles said he doesn't believe there is any cause for concern.
“Thankfully, this isn't an issue of violence and it certainly isn't a commonplace issue at the high school. We don't have any inclination (to heighten security), as it is not an issue of violence, or even of student discipline.
“It is an issue of ensuring a safe environment for students. We are generally proud of the kids' behavior. It is also a testament to the kids in that the students came forward. They went right to the principal.”
The Scottsbluff (NE) Star-Herald
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