Two San Pasqual High School students, threatened with expulsion over a violation of the school district’s zero tolerance policy, returned to class Wednesday.
The fate of Sam Serrato, 16, and Brandon Cappelletti, 18, became a public issue when their supporters pleaded with Escondido Union High School District (EUHSD) officials not to expel the students. Some claimed the district's zero tolerance policy was too severe.
As both students prepared to return to class Wednesday, some parents spoke with NBC 7 about the controversy.
"I support the fact that Sam Serrato and the other student are back at school today based on their history at San Pasqual," said Isela Jeffers. "Honors student, never had any issues. And I’m actually happy that he has another opportunity to come back."
On Jan. 27, a drug detection dog alerted school officials to two parked cars parked on campus. A bottle of over-the-counter ibuprofen was found in one of the cars which led to a further investigation.
An Escondido Police School Resource Officer was called to the lot, and the students were also summoned to their cars. One pocket knife was found in Serrato's car and three knives were found in Cappelletti's car.
Serrato originally told officials the knife belonged to his father but later admitted he had bought the 3.5-inch locking blade knife recently for protection. Cappelletti said his knives were from a recent fishing trip.
School officials suspended both students after finding them in violation of a misdemeanor crime by bringing the knives onto school property.
Hundreds of community members rallied behind Serrato at a school board meeting, asking for his suspension to be lifted. Serrato is an honor roll student and active athlete, and has never before gotten into trouble at school.
Cappelletti’s family also attended that board meeting and stood behind his statement that the knives were used for a fishing trip.
On Friday, the EUHSD superintendent confirmed Serrato and Cappelletti would both be returning to school.
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At the same time, police and district officials wanted to remind all students and parents that bringing any weapon onto school property will be investigated in a serious manner, as was this case.
On Saturday, the EPD confirmed police would not be pursuing charges against the students.
As the students returned to school, one parent told NBC 7 that she felt the consequences were just considering where the knives were found.
"If the knives were in their backpack that would be different, they were in the vehicles they were owned by the family so I’m kinda caught in between. If the boys knew the knives were in their vehicles then maybe the family should have taken them out before they came to school," Lisa Young said.
