School board members approved, by unanimous vote at Tuesday evening’s meeting, a stronger weapons policy – the first revision to the policy since October 1999.

Peter M. Miller, director of alternative learning options, recommended that the board approve revised language that includes additional items banned on school property or at school activities, and also toughens the disciplinary action if the policy is violated.

Now; in addition to the already-banned dangerous or deadly weapons, firearms, replicas of weapons, fireworks and pocket knives; students are also prohibited from carrying noxious or irritating gasses, poisons, metal knuckles, straight razors, live ammunition, or any “similar instrument or by the use of which injury could be inflicted upon any other person”.

Any student found in violation of this zero-tolerance policy will be subject to a minimum of one-year expulsion, whereas before lesser disciplinary action was allowed.