Every parent and student in Wichita Public schools is required to sign off on the Zero Tolerance Policies of the district, before each school year, including a policy on the possession or use of weapons.

The policy on weapons includes disciplinary action of “a mandatory expulsion from the school district for 186 school days.”

But there are questions about what zero tolerance really means, as district officials say there is discretion in how those policies are impacted.

On the last day of October at North High, a gun was reported at the school. Someone saw it and reported it and there were no injuries.

RELATED LINK | Zero Tolerance Policies Sign Off Form

Court records indicate that two students were arrested for criminal possession of a firearm. Both are juveniles, and KSN is not naming the students. Now one of the students is going back to school after the first of the year, according to that student’s attorney.

At least one parent at North High is asking why a student would not have to serve all 186 days of a suspension for violating the zero tolerance policy.

“When if or if we decide to break policy there will be zero tolerance as far as the punishment handed out,” says North High parent, Sarah Johnson. “As far as I’m concerned with this incident, I believe, no, there really isn’t a zero tolerance policy at the school.”

While Sarah says she does not know the two students facing criminal allegations, she does have two kids at North High and is concerned for their safety.

KSN asked what does zero tolerance policy mean if there is discretion in how the school/administration determines how to discipline a student.

RELATED LINK | School Board Policies on Behavior, Alcohol & Drugs, Possession or use of Weapons

USD 259 said no one was available to go on camera but spokesperson Susan Arensman answered questions via email:

“Policy P1466 ‘Possession or Use of Weapons’ states that a student is subject to disciplinary action ‘up to and including expulsion…for 186 days.’ Because we take school safety seriously, it has been referred to a zero-tolerance policy. {The policy} noted below provides an opportunity to assess each situation based on the factors noted (i.e. age, severity, etc). For example, a student who went on a camping trip and still has a pocket knife in his backpack will face consequences for having the knife, but the Hearing Officer takes many issues into account with each incident: was it in a backpack, was it in a student’s car truck, were there threats, was there intent to cause harm, etc. Each of those situations will be treated differently and consequences will be given accordingly.”

KSN also asked why there is a discretionary process to go with a zero tolerance policy, and if it takes into account the safety and wellbeing of all other students at the school?

Arensman replied safety is a priority.

“It absolutely takes into consideration the safety and wellbeing of all students at the school, first and foremost,” said Arensman. “That is the top consideration for the Hearing Officer. If there is a situation that calls for a student to be expelled for a year, that occurs. Per BOE policy, the Hearing Officer looks at each case individually with safety as the top priority.”

RELATED LINK | Student Code of Conduct and hearing process

USD 259 School Board member, Mike Rodee, said board members can be a part of the process of a suspended student appeal.

“We look at case-by-case. We have a hearing officer that looks at it. We have principals and staff look at it. I mean, it’s well vetted… and (we) determine what’s best for the student,” said Rodee. “We generally have a hearing with a hearing officer. If the parents don’t like the results of that hearing they can bring it to the board and then two board members sit on a panel and listen to the testimony that is given and the evidence that’s given. And {the decision} it’s based on their grades, their attitude in school, and what they did to be in the hearing.”

Still, Johnson is asking if suspending a suspension is the right thing to do, even with a disciplinary hearing process in play.

“Right now we have an opportunity to hold someone accountable for their actions, set the standard for the rest of the students letting them know these are repercussions for your actions,” said Johnson.