CONFISCATION OF STUDENT PROPERTY
Teachers have the right to confiscate and discard notes and other papers of the student if such papers are interfering with the learning process of the classroom. Teachers may confiscate books and other materials from a student if the student is using them in a way which distracts from the learning process. The teachers and administrators may also confiscate any personal property and materials which are deemed inappropriate for the classroom environment or are in violation of school policies. The school reserves the right to search any item brought on campus.
School Searches
Students' legitimate expectation of privacy in their person and in the personal effects they bring to school must be balanced against the school's obligation to maintain discipline and provide a safe environment for the school community. School officials may conduct a search of a student's person and personal effects only upon a reasonable suspicion that the search will disclose evidence that the student is violating or has violated the law or a school rule.
If school officials have a reasonable suspicion that the student has violated or is violating the law or a school rule, school officials do not need a warrant or permission from parents/guardians to conduct the search.
A "reasonable suspicion" may be established in many ways, including but not limited to personal observations, information provided by third parties or other students, or tips provided by law enforcement. An alert from a trained and certified detection dog is sufficient to establish a reasonable suspicion and serve as the basis for a warrantless search of the student's person, locker, car, or personal property and effects.
Whenever a school official conducts a search of a student's person or personal effects, an adult witness should be present. The school should notify the student's parents/guardians of any search of a student's person or personal effects.
