The Accomack County School Board on Tuesday delayed action on a proposal to require clear backpacks and related bag‑check procedures after extended debate among board members, staff and members of the public.

Board members described mixed views: some who conduct bag checks and school safety checks said clear backpacks aid visibility and can make checks easier; others, including several board members and parents, said clear backpacks are flimsy, provide a false sense of security, and place the burden of repeated replacements on families. One board member who had helped perform bag checks said the work was “not an easy task” and supported measures to help staff, while other board members said they had received many calls from constituents opposed to clear backpacks.

Several board members recommended sending the matter back to the safety committee for further research and possible amendment; at the end of discussion the board voted to table the clear‑backpack proposal until the next meeting so the safety committee can review the issue more thoroughly.

The board also heard public comment on the subject during the meeting; speakers urged both support and opposition. Following the motion the chair announced the item would return on the next agenda for further consideration.