Supt says student won't be expelled over gun

KALISPELL (AP) — The superintendent of a northwestern Montana school says he doesn't think the school board will expel a junior who inadvertently brought an unloaded rifle to school in the trunk of her car.

Superintendent Michael Nicosia says he believes the 16-year-old honor student and varsity cheerleader will be back in classes at Columbia Falls High School before Christmas break.

The board is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss the case. Nicosia tells the Daily Inter Lake he's not going to recommend that she be expelled, which would mean she would have to be out of school for more than 21 days. He says suspensions can last up to 20 days.

The girl was suspended Dec. 1 after contraband-sniffing dogs were brought to school and she told administrators she had forgotten the rifle she put in her trunk after a hunting trip.

KALISPELL — The superintendent of a northwestern Montana school says he doesn't think the school board will expel a junior who inadvertently brought an unloaded rifle to school in the trunk of her car.

Superintendent Michael Nicosia says he believes the 16-year-old honor student and varsity cheerleader will be back in classes at Columbia Falls High School before Christmas break.

The board is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss the case. Nicosia tells the Daily Inter Lake he's not going to recommend that she be expelled, which would mean she would have to be out of school for more than 21 days. He says suspensions can last up to 20 days.

The girl was suspended Dec. 1 after contraband-sniffing dogs were brought to school and she told administrators she had forgotten the rifle she put in her trunk after a hunting trip.