Winchester Public Schools to require clear bags at indoor secondary events starting at two campuses

Winchester Public Schools will require clear bags for spectators at indoor secondary-school events at Daniel Morgan and John Hanley campuses, Superintendent Buckley told the school board on Nov. 24, 2025.

Buckley said the change is part of a phased safety plan that began with weapons detector deployments in August 2024. She cited national and local survey data — including that 40% of schools surveyed had been the target of a threat and that 10% had experienced gun violence in the past five years — as background for the decision and described clear bags as an efficiency and deterrent measure.

The district’s communications campaign began Nov. 16, with family notices, website updates Nov. 19, staff communication Nov. 20, athletic-director outreach and social-media promotion. Buckley said signage will be posted from parking lots to gym entrances and that the district will provide a month-long transition in December while patrons adjust.

Buckley outlined allowable and prohibited items: clear bags sized to stated dimensions will be permitted; tinted, patterned or mesh bags that obscure contents will be prohibited. Large coolers for all‑day wrestling or similar events will be inspected and processed separately to avoid disrupting events. For students who leave and return to campus during activities, athletic directors will use tagged storage and retrieval procedures so bags can be checked and reclaimed after events.

During board Q&A, members asked how patrons with noncompliant bags will be accommodated. Buckley said patrons could return items to their cars or have staff hold emptied bags for pickup after events if needed; the district will emphasize helping patrons with mobility challenges.

The superintendent said the policy currently applies only to indoor secondary events at Daniel Morgan and John Hanley; elementary schools are not included at this time. The district will reassess whether to expand the policy in the future and will continue to coordinate with law‑enforcement partners.

The board did not take a formal vote on the clear‑bag policy at the Nov. 24 meeting; Buckley framed this presentation as background and implementation planning.