SCCOE Board Policy 3515.7 – Firearms on School Grounds Page 1
Santa Clara County Office of Education
Board Policy
Firearms on School Grounds
BP 3515.7
Business and Noninstructional Operations
The Santa Clara County Board of Education (County Board) is committed to providing a safe
environment for students, staff, and visitors on campus. The Santa Clara County Superintendent
(County Superintendent) or designee shall consult with local law enforcement, insurance
carriers, and other appropriate individuals and agencies to address the security of school
campuses.
(cf. 3515.2 - Disruptions)
(cf. 4158/4258/4358 - Employee Security)
(cf. 5131.4 - Student Disturbances)
(cf. 5131.7 - Weapons and Dangerous Instruments)
Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) policy regarding the possession of firearms
and/or ammunition on school grounds shall be included in the SCCOE's comprehensive safety
plan and shall be communicated to SCCOE staff, parents/guardians, and the community.
(cf. 0450 - Comprehensive Safety Plan)
(cf. 1100 - Communication with the Public)
(cf. 1113 - SCCOE Web Sites)
The Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1995 prohibits any person from possessing a firearm in a
school zone or on a school campus unless they have the written permission of the superintendent,
or designee, or equivalent school authority; this includes those persons who have a concealed
weapons permit.
The County Superintendent or designee shall not grant permission to any individual to carry a
firearm or ammunition on school grounds, unless the individual is authorized under Penal Code
626.9. In those circumstances set forth in Penal Code section 626.9(c), the County
Superintendent or designee must be notified in writing prior to any person having possession of a
firearm on school grounds. School grounds include, but are not limited to, school buildings,
fields, storage areas, and parking lots.
Those persons specified in Penal Code 626.9(l)-(o) and 30310 is authorized to possess a firearm
and/or ammunition on school grounds.
No SCCOE staff member shall be required to carry a firearm and/or ammunition while on school
grounds.
SCCOE Board Policy 3515.7 – Firearms on School Grounds Page 2
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
32281 Comprehensive safety plan
35160 Powers and duties of the board
35161 Powers and duties of the board; authority to delegate
38001.5 District security officers; requirements if carry firearm
PENAL CODE
626.9 Gun Free School Zone Act
830.32 District police department; district decision to authorize carrying of firearm
16150 Definition of ammunition
16520 Definition of firearm
26150-26225 Concealed weapons permit
30310 Prohibition against ammunition on school grounds
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 18
921 Definitions, firearms and ammunition
922 Firearms, unlawful acts
923 Firearm licensing
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 20
7151 Gun-Free Schools Act; student expulsions for possession of firearm
Management Resources:
WEB SITES
Office of the Attorney General: https://oag.ca.gov/firearms
Board Policy SANTA CLARA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Adopted: San Jose, California
