Accomack safety committee proposes clear backpacks, limits on hard bottles to speed school safety checks

At its May 20 meeting, the Accomack County School Board heard a recommendation from the district safety committee to require clear backpacks for students and to limit hard-plastic beverage containers in school buildings for the 2025–26 school year.

The policy proposal, presented by Ms. Jordan of the central office and discussed by safety-committee member Mr. Bennett, is intended "to expedite the safety checks in the morning, and it would help the school security officers and staff identify items which are not allowed in schools," Ms. Jordan said. Under the draft protocol students would be allowed sealed, clear disposable water bottles or empty clear bottles; hard plastic beverage containers would be prohibited.

Board members and residents pressed the administration on practical issues that would affect implementation. Mr. Bennett told the board the committee is also pursuing weapon-detection demonstrations and more metal-detector training for security officers, and said vendors have quoted widely different prices: "...a school system is putting a new system in place, and it was $2,700,000," he said, noting the district may seek grant funds. He also said Garrett metal-detector training will be rolled out for security officers before fall classes begin.

Supporters said clear bags would let security staff visually screen contents faster. Ms. Jordan said the district will post photographs and a Q&A for parents and recommended limiting elementary students to one clear bag. "If students have to have a bag, we would like it to be clear," she said.

Critics at the meeting and during public comment raised concerns about water access, bag durability and privacy. A board member asked whether schools have enough water refill stations if many students bring bottles; Ms. Jordan said filtered water is available in most schools but acknowledged the distribution issue, and suggested parents pack water if needed. Resident Connie Burford urged the district to expand recycling programs if disposable bottles are permitted. Resident Nicole Shreeves raised privacy concerns for females who carry personal items and asked whether exceptions or alternative options (for example, a named clear bag for certain needs) would be provided.

The safety committee said the policy, if adopted, would be posted publicly and that the board will accept comments at this meeting and the next before a final vote. Mr. Bennett said the district will continue vendor demonstrations of weapon-detection technology and explore funding sources before any purchase.

Board members did not take final action on the clear-bag proposal at the May 20 meeting; the item will return for further comment and a vote at a later meeting.