SEARCH AND SEIZURE
School district property is held in public trust by the board. School district authorities may, without a search warrant, search students, student lockers, personal effects, desks, work areas or student vehicles based on a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a school district policy, in a manner reasonable in scope to maintain order and discipline in the schools, promote the educational environment, and protect the safety and welfare of students, employees and visitors to the school district facilities.
School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search. Items of contraband may include, but are not limited to, nonprescription controlled substances, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbituates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property. Such items are not to be possessed by a student while they are on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/operated school or chartered buses; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district. Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion and may be reported to local law enforcement officials. The board believes that illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials may cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principals, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal References: U.S. Const. Amend. IV.
New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985).
Cason v. Cook, 810 F .2d 188 (8th Cir. 1987), cert. den., 482
U.S. 930 (1987)
Iowa Code ch. 808A (1995)
Iowa Code ch. 808A (Supp. 1995)
281 I.A. C. 12.3(8)
Cross References: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
Adopted: May 12, 1986
Reviewed: March 1998
January 20, 2003
September 2006
December 17, 2012
Revised: October 9, 1995