The district said it will have other safety measures in place after last school year saw multiple incidents of students bringing firearms to school.
In a letter to parents sent July 24, Grand Rapids School District Superintendent Leadriane Roby said after careful consideration and feedback from families the district has decided to allow students to bring any backpack of their choice to school.
“The decision to return to allowing backpacks reflects our best thinking today and may change if deemed necessary,” Roby said in the letter. “We ask that families make a regular practice of checking your scholars’ backpacks and belongings. We also ask that gun owners lock and secure their firearms so that they don’t end up in the wrong hands.”
While the letter does recommend students use clear backpacks to better see inside the bag, it will not be a requirement.
According to the letter, the district will also conduct more random and unannounced screenings using weapon detection technology. All schools will have access to equipment.
Other safety measures include, prevention programming for students who have been expelled, mental health and social learning programming, and Parent Action Leader Awareness training that includes a focus on gun safety.
The district will also continue to hold scholar listening sessions and plans to partner with Silent Observer to help raise awareness of anonymous reporting options and increase reward dollars for students who make reports that lead to the confiscation of a weapon at school.
The first day of school for the Grand Rapids Public School District is Aug. 22.
