Dover said the issue has primarily involved students who carry pepper spray for personal safety outside school rather than with the intention of using it on campus.

“We do have students that carry mace on their keychains, predominantly more female than male,” Dover told the board.

He said administrators do not want students disciplined under the weapons policy solely because they possess a personal safety device attached to their car keys.

Dover said he did not want students disciplined under the weapons policy solely for carrying pepper spray for personal protection.

The proposed change would apply to the district’s student and parent handbook policy covering weapons. Board members were asked to review the language before considering final adoption.

The discussion did not establish the precise conditions under which pepper spray would be permitted. The board did not address whether students would be required to keep it in a vehicle, report it to administrators or follow restrictions regarding its size or storage.

The proposed exception also would not necessarily prevent discipline if a student threatened another person with pepper spray, discharged it at school or used it inappropriately.

Those distinctions will depend on the final language approved by the board.

Dover said the administration supports considering an exception because students may carry the devices while traveling, working or participating in activities away from school.

The policy was among several handbook updates presented for an initial reading. Most of the proposed changes were described as updates related to state law or recommended policy language.

Board members are expected to review the pepper spray proposal and revisit it at a future meeting before the beginning of the school year.