The Southampton County School Board received a first reading on a proposed "clear backpack" policy on Oct. 13 aimed at reducing contraband such as THC and nicotine in school buildings and buses.

Dr. (H.) Harris, identified in the packet as the hearing officer who presented the item, said the policy’s purpose is "to continue to enhance our safety and security measures within the school environment" and to be proactive about preventing illegal substances from entering school buildings. She told the board the proposed policy would apply to students and also staff and visitors at school events. The presenter said the policy stems from disciplinary incidents that have involved illegal substances and nicotine products.

Board members raised several concerns during the first read. Members asked for stakeholder feedback from families, students and staff; one member recommended a survey to collect community input. The board also questioned the policy’s burden on low-income families and asked staff to clarify the resource provisions: the presenter said families would be responsible for purchasing clear backpacks for the 2026–27 school year, but that students covered by McKinney-Vento and foster-care supports would receive division-provided backpacks or assistance. Members asked staff to define eligibility for assistance (for example, verifying poverty status) in the next draft.

Members discussed permitted exceptions in the draft policy — personal hygiene bags, band instrument cases and sports-specific carrying cases — and whether those exceptions would create ways to conceal contraband. The board asked staff to consult the division’s safety and security specialists and to research grants or devices (for example, vape detectors) that could reduce enforcement burdens.

Dr. Harris said staff had reviewed examples of similar policies from other Virginia divisions, including Hopewell, Petersburg and Richmond, and she invited board members to send feedback through the superintendent so staff can revise the draft ahead of a second reading.

Ending: The board accepted the item as a first read and asked staff to collect stakeholder feedback, clarify resource-assistance criteria, and return with a revised draft and implementation plan before final action.