Students attending Erie’s Public Schools will begin using clear backpacks for their daily school day starting next week.
Officials with the school district considered the idea of switching to a clear bag policy back in June 2024.
Now starting on Monday, Jan. 6, “all bags carried by students – including backpacks, purses, duffle bags, fanny packs, cross-body bags and satchels – must be clear. This policy applies to all students, grades preK through 12.”
Schools will hand out one clear backpack that they’ve previously purchased to each student on Monday. It is not necessary to use the district-issued backpack, but students must adhere to the new clear bag policy.
Clear bag policy at Erie’s Public Schools gets mixed reviews from parents, students
Families in Erie’s Public Schools were notified with a letter at the beginning of August of a change to improve the safety and efficiency at their schools.
Neal Brokman, the assistant superintendent, said the policy was developed after concerns were brought up about the effectiveness of the searches.