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Director reports on summer school, clear-backpack debate and grant for metal detectors; staff retirement noted
Summary
The district director told the Stewart County School Board summer school averaged 148 students, updated members on a pending COPS grant for metal detectors and described community concerns about adopting a clear-backpack policy. The board also heard a retirement announcement for a longtime staff member.
The director reported that summer school ended with an average attendance of 148 students and updated the Stewart County School Board on ongoing safety discussions, including a potential clear-backpack policy and a pending grant application for metal detectors.
At the board’s request, the director recounted research and community feedback about clear backpacks, saying logistics and privacy concerns made the policy difficult to implement. The director said the district applied for a COPS grant to purchase an “Evolve” system of metal detectors and that the number and placement of detectors remained to be finalized; the director indicated a decision about backpacks would be made after staff returned from out-of-town schedules.
“The logistics of having clear backpacks are going to be tough,” the director said, noting parents and staff had raised issues about hygiene products, sports bags and what items students would be allowed to carry. Board members and parents who spoke during discussion said some families opposed clear backpacks while others supported additional safety measures.
The director said metal detectors currently under consideration “are really cutting back on things,” and that detectors had helped intercept prohibited items in other settings, though the director emphasized no single measure is foolproof and stressed the importance of SROs and staff relationships with students.
The director also reported local administrative matters: summer-school activities were described as beneficial, and the board heard an announcement that Judy Hutchison — identified by a speaker as a longtime, retiring staff member who greeted visitors — would be missed by community members.
No formal policy change on backpacks or immediate purchase of metal detectors was approved at the meeting; the director said the district would finalize its decision after additional meetings and once grant funding details were confirmed.
