South Bend Schools will require clear backpacks next school year

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Students in the South Bend Community School Corporation will be required to carry clear backpacks in school starting next school year.

The decision was announced during Monday night's school board meeting.

“We join many other districts across the country in introducing this simple measure that allows for safer buildings and work environments,” said Eric Crittendon, the district’s security and emergency preparedness director. “Transparent bags will not solve every school’s safety issues, but it certainly serves as a deterrent for harmful and prohibited items.”

The corporation will give each student one backpack for free before the school year begins.

Students can also get a free bag at the corporation's annual "Back-to-School-Bash" at Brown Community Learning Center on August 12.

More backpack distributions will be announced as the first day of school approaches.

Students cannot use mesh backpacks, even if they're transparent.

They can carry a non-clear pouch no larger than 5.5" x 8.5" within their clear backpacks.

A list of backpack requirements can be found below or at the link here.