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Shawnee schools get roughly $40,000 Safe Schools grant; new Yonder bag policy announced for events
Summary
Superintendent Dr. James announced the district received a Safe Schools grant for about $40,000 and described a new Yonder bag policy for events: phones may be carried in cleared Yonder bags, backpacks will be disallowed, allowed bags may be searched, and medical exemptions will apply.
Dr. James, Shawnee Public Schools superintendent, announced that the district was selected for the OEQA Safe Schools Grant and that the award amount came in "right at $40,000," higher than an earlier estimate of $23,000.
He said the district purchased Yonder bags for event use and described a new procedure for home activities and athletic events: a phone may be placed in a Yonder bag that a student may carry, backpacks will not be allowed, any allowed bag may be searched, and medical exemptions will be honored. He urged attendees planning to attend the Sept. 5 home opener to arrive at the stadium roughly 15 minutes early because bag screening could create long lines.
The superintendent also announced convocation on Aug. 13 at the PAAC and credited Michelle Wallace for local business donations; Dr. James said there are approximately "$2,500 to $3,000 worth of door prize drawings." He said staff training on the Yonder bags will be provided and that unusual items such as camera bags should be cleared with the high school in advance.
The board did not vote on the bag policy at the meeting; Dr. James presented it as an administrative procedure and a public-safety measure to manage stadium entry and equipment. The announcement was recorded as part of the superintendent's regular report to the board.
