The Pattonville School District's Board of Education on Tuesday approved a measure that revised its weapons in school policy. 

Under the revised policy, any student that brings or possesses a weapon on school property or at any school activity is to be suspended from teh school for at least one year and possibly expelled.

Previously, the policy only prohibited the use or possession of a firearm as defined by law.

A weapon, as defined by law, means a weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, animate or inanimate, that is used for, or is readily capable of, causing death or serious bodily injury, except that such term does not include a pocket knife with a blade of less than 21/2 inches in length.

Knives and any other instrument used or designed to threaten or assault whether for attack or defense, is also prohibited in the new policy. 

The change was made in an effort to ensure that the policy is updated to comply with current district practice, federal and state regulations, and statutes and court decisions.

The weapons in school policy hadn't been revised since October 1996.