PURPOSE

The existence, use or threatened use of explosives and/or explosive devices at a school is one of the
gravest threats to the safety and welfare of our students, and staff.

DEFINITIONS

Explosives and/or explosive devices include, but are not limited to: bombs, rockets, mines, grenades,
any breakable container containing flammable liquids, or sealed devices containing chemicals that are
being used for the purpose of causing an explosion. Any device that conveys the appearance of a bomb
or other destructive device, including, but not limited to disabled or inactive explosive or destructive
devices shall be viewed as an explosive or explosive devices for the purposes of this policy.

A school location is defined as any school building or grounds, whether leased, rented, owned or
controlled by the school district, locations and sites of school activities or trips, bus stops, school buses
or school vehicles, school-contracted vehicles, the area of entrance or departure from school premises or events, all locations where school-related functions are conducted, and anywhere students are under the jurisdiction or authority of the school district.

A threat must insinuate harm and a reasonable person must interpret the communication as a threat of
harm. A threat includes, but is not limited to intent to alarm, annoy, offend, or frighten via verbal threats,
non-verbal threats, written threats, electronic threats, internet-related threats, threats on social networking websites, sending an image, the use of pictures or drawings to convey a threat, threats made over the telephone, and threats made via text-messaging.

CONDUCT PROHIBITED

No person shall make a threat that an explosive or explosive device has been or will be placed at a school
location (aka: a “bomb threat”). The actual presence of an explosive or explosive device at a school
location is not necessary for discipline under this policy.

Any person who knowingly encourages, causes, aids and/or assists another in making or communicating
a threat of the use of an explosive or explosive device shall be subject to the same disciplinary
consequences as the person making the threat.

The actual use or placement of an explosive or explosive device at a school location certainly constitutes
a violation of this policy and the responsible person shall be subject to the disciplinary consequences
outlined below, in addition to criminal charges. Any person who encourages, causes, aids, and/or assists
another in the actual use or placement of an explosive or explosive device at a school location, shall be
subject to the same disciplinary consequences.

REPORTING THREATS RELATED TO EXPLOSIVES OR EXPLOSIVE DEVICES

Any student who learns of a threat to use explosives or explosive devices and/or the use or existence of
explosives or explosive devices at a school location must immediately notify a teacher or any other school employee, the building Principal, or the Superintendent’s Office. Any student who fails to report such information will be subject to disciplinary consequences, which may include suspension and/or expulsion.

Any faculty or staff member who learns of a threat to use explosives or explosive devices and/or the use
or existence an explosives or explosive devices at a school location must immediately inform building-level administration. The building-level administration must take appropriate steps to protect the safety of students and staff using the procedures mandated by the district. Any faculty or staff member who fails to report information or knowledge of a threat to use explosives or devices or existence of explosives or explosive devices at a school location will be subject to disciplinary consequences which may include termination of employment.

All threats related to explosives or explosive devices or the use or existence of explosives or explosive
devices at a school location shall also be reported immediately to local law enforcement.

DISCIPLINE AND CONSEQUENCES

Due to the grave nature of threats related to explosives or explosive devices or the use or existence of
explosives or explosive devices at a school location and the significant disruption these threats cause in
the educational environment, Knox County Schools has zero tolerance for any use or threatened use of
explosives or explosive devices.

Threatening to use explosives or explosive devices is a criminal offense3 and may constitute a terroristic
threat. Violators will be reported to law enforcement/authorities and/or investigated by Knox County
Schools.

Any staff member who is found to have engaged in any conduct prohibited by this policy will be reported
to law enforcement and will be subject to discipline which could include termination of employment.

CIVIL/CRIMINAL LIABILITY

Knox County Schools reserves the right to bring a civil suit against any individual responsible for a
violation of this policy to seek damages permitted by law. Knox County Schools also reserves the right
to seek restitution for all damages from any person convicted of a crime related to this policy.

LOST INSTRUCTIONAL TIME

Instructional time lost as a result of a threat related to the use of explosives or explosive devices may be
rescheduled at the earliest appropriate opportunity as determined by the Superintendent within the
parameters set forth by the Knox County Board of Education. Instructional Time lost may be rescheduled
on a vacation day, during a weekend, and/or after what would normally be considered the last day of the
school year, except on days when school must be closed as required by law.

Legal References:

1. T.C.A. § 39-17-1301(4).
2. T.C.A. § 39-17-308.
3. T.C.A. § 39-13-114.
4. T.C.A. § 39-13-808.

Cross Reference: 

• Policy J-191 Misbehaviors and Disciplinary Options.

Approved as to Legal Form
By Knox County Law Director 5/11/2022 
/Gary T. Dupler/Deputy Law Director