Policy 515 - Search of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions and Student’s Person
I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe and healthy educational environment by enforcing the school district’s policies against contraband.
II. General Statement of Policy
A. Lockers and Personal Possessions Within a Locker
Pursuant to Minnesota statutes, school lockers are the property of the school district. At no time does the school district relinquish its exclusive control of lockers provided for the convenience of students. Inspection of the interior of lockers may be conducted by school officials for any reason at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. The personal possessions of students within a school locker may be searched only when school officials have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence of a violation of law or school rules. This policy applies to all lockers issued to students throughout the school year, including athletic lockers. As soon as practical after the search of a student’s locker and personal possessions, the school official must provide notice of the search to students whose locker and personal possessions were searched unless disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation by police or school officials.
B. Desks and Personal Possessions Within a Desk
School desks are the property of the school district. At no time does the school district relinquish its exclusive control of desks provided for the convenience of students. Inspection of the interior of desks may be conducted by school officials for any reason at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.
C. Personal Possessions and Student’s Person
The personal possessions of students and/or a student’s person may be searched when school officials have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover a violation of law or school rules. The search will be reasonable in its scope and intrusiveness.
D. Contraband
It is a violation of this policy for students to use lockers and desks for unauthorized purposes or to store contraband on their person or in their personal possessions.
Adoption and Amendment History
- Adopted: August 16, 2004
- Amended: March 9, 2015
- Amended: January 13, 2020
- Amended: March 12, 2024
- Last Reviewed: March 12, 2024