Searches

The right of inspection of a student's school desk and/or assigned area is inherent in the authority granted to school boards and administrators and should be exercised to assure that the school will exercise every safeguard to protect the well-being of all students. In an attempt to protect students from exposure to illegal drugs and dangerous materials, school property is subject to searches by the administration where there is reasonable suspicion to believe that illegal drugs or dangerous materials are present. If the principal or her designee has reasonable suspicion to believe that a student has illegal substances and/or dangerous items or weapons in his/her desk, book bag, backpack, purse, or on his/her person or his/her property, the principal or her designee has the authority to make a search of the appropriate object in order to discover the presence of any contraband.  

 

When a search, based on reasonable suspicion, is conducted, the administrator shall record the reason(s) for believing a search is justified. The search should, when possible, be conducted in front of an adult witness, and both the witness and searcher should briefly record, in writing, what was: (a) said, (b) done, (c) found, and (d) at what time the search took place.

 

While it is not necessary, the student's consent to the "reasonable suspicion" search is obtained, if possible, and the search is conducted in the presence of the student. In the event that illegal drugs or dangerous materials are present, the parents of the student, the police, and the superintendent shall be immediately notified. See OSSD BOT Policy JCDA - School Searches.