GCPS Considering New Clear Backpacks Policy. Please complete this short, three-question survey by Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

In our ongoing effort to ensure safer schools, Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is considering implementing a clear backpack policy for all students in grades K-12.

We understand that a clear backpack policy alone does not ensure complete security. This proactive measure is just one of several updates that GCPS is considering to enhance student and campus safety.

We want to hear from GCPS students, families, and staff, as this new policy would directly impact them.

Before you take the survey, here are a few things we are looking to include in a clear backpack policy:

• To support families, GCPS would provide each student with one durable clear backpack at no cost for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year. 
• Parents may also purchase their students’ clear backpacks that meet the district’s policy.
• Students would be allowed to carry a small, non-clear pouch in their backpack to hold personal items such as cell phones, money, and hygiene products. The maximum size of non-transparent bags allowed would be 6" x 9".
• Students who participate in extracurricular activities can carry non-transparent bags to store items for particular activities (i.e., band, athletics, theatre arts, etc.).
• All bags, including lunch bags or boxes, gym bags, and/or electronic device carriers, may be subject to search in accordance with applicable laws.
• Staff and visitors would not be required to use clear backpacks in school or district buildings in the 2024-25 school year. 

Again, we understand a clear backpack policy alone does not ensure complete security. This proactive measure is just one of several updates GCPS is considering to enhance student and campus safety. You can read more about the current and ongoing safety measures we already have in place on the district website.  

If we implement a new policy, it will not begin until later this school year. If we continue the policy beyond this school year, families will need to purchase clear backpacks for their students.

Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts by completing a short, three-question survey by Wednesday, October 9, 2024. (The survey has now closed.)

Here are some examples of clear backpack policies in other districts that are already in place:

• Clayton County Public Schools
• Rockdale County Public Schools
• Prince George’s County Public Schools
• Richmond Public Schools
• Dallas ISD
• Cypress Fairbanks ISD