Board directs safety committee to draft clear‑backpack policy after debate over feasibility and exemptions

The Smith County School Board discussed a proposed districtwide clear‑backpack policy and directed the district safety committee to draft guidelines and protocols for the board’s consideration at a future meeting.

Board members said they would like any policy decided well before the start of the next school year so parents have time to plan; members also discussed whether the district or private donors could supply backpacks. The safety committee will evaluate specifics such as size limits, privacy pouches and handling of sports bags and other exceptions and return a recommendation to the full board.

Why it matters: A clear‑backpack policy would affect every student and family in the district and raises operational questions about enforcement, exemptions and whether athletic or privacy needs would require separate procedures.

Key points from the discussion - Timing and procurement: Several board members urged the board to place the item on the agenda at the next meeting so, if approved, the rollout would occur well before the upcoming school year. Board members asked staff to check vendors and potential private donors; one member said donors had offered to help purchase backpacks if the board wished.

- Safety committee role and membership: The board directed the safety committee to draft the policy. The meeting record shows the safety committee would be chaired by Mister Lewis and include Mister McDonald and the superintendent as members; the committee must post a meeting and follow notice requirements before developing policy language.

- Exemptions and enforcement: Board members raised questions about sports bags and other larger items that students bring during the school day. Members discussed that allowing an inner opaque bag or an exception for athletic equipment could undercut the policy’s goal; the safety committee was asked to recommend specific rules for exceptions, screening and locker use.

- Donations and costs: Board members said if the board decided to require clear backpacks, private donations or district funds could help furnish backpacks for families who cannot afford new ones. One board member suggested a modest per‑student cost if donations aren’t available.

Next steps The board asked the safety committee to meet, draft recommended guidelines, and return the proposal to the full board for a vote. If the board places the item on next month’s agenda and approves it, the committee would then finalize implementation details prior to the start of the school year.