By By Steve Gillespie/The Meridian Star
June 25, 2001
Dr. Sam Thompson, director of safety for the Meridian Public School District, said the school board's decision to end its clear book bag policy could make things a little harder for his department but he agrees with the decision.
The school district implemented its clear book bag policy amid a national increase in school violence. Many other school districts across the country did the same to discourage students from bringing weapons to school.
The reversal in policy came about based on parent surveys conducted during pre-registration this school year.
Dr. Janet McLin, school superintendent, said the clear plastic bags did not wear well, forcing parents to buy two or three each school year. The mesh-style bags were durable, but did not protect books from the rain.
Steve Gillespie is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3233, or e-mail him at sgillespie@themeridianstar.com.