Peoria Public Schools will implement a clear bookbag policy for its high school and middle school students later this year.
The District 150 Board of Education voted 7-0 in favor of requiring the clear bags during its regular meeting on Tuesday, while delaying the compliance date until October to give families more time to get bags for their children.
The policy is intended to improve safety by preventing students from bringing weapons or other contraband into the school.
“I want us to be mindful that we utilize clear backpacks in every public venue — the Civic Center, NFL, even at the Peoria Chiefs games,” said board president Paris McConnell. “So, I don’t think it is exposing people’s privacy as much as it is for a safety factor.”
Some board members expressed concern about the cost of the bags becoming a hardship for low-income families or households with several students.
Superintendent Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat said the district has an order of 2,000 backpacks that will arrive later this month for families to purchase.
“The price point, it was originally $50 and because we got them in bulk, they will be $20,” said Kherat. “And actually, in terms of distribution, bags will be distributed to schools, the middle schools and high schools, so parents can literally purchase those. Of course, they can also purchase them at any retail store.”
Kherat said the district also is working with Dream Center Peoria to provide an additional 400 clear backpacks for students in need.
The board tabled a vote on a four-year subscription agreement with Beck Tech for an Evolv metal detector system to get more information on the products and possible alternatives.
Wilson tabbed as president
After adjourning the regular meeting, the board held its annual reorganization meeting, elevating sitting vice president Gregory Wilson to president on a unanimous 6-0 vote.
“I believe true leadership doesn’t rest with one individual; it is strengthened when responsibility, transparency and accountability are shared across the board,” said Wilson. “By drawing on the unique perspectives and expertise of each member, we enhance both our effectiveness and our ability to serve students.”
The promotion marks the second stint as president for Wilson, who first joined the board in 2017. He swaps places with McConnell, who moved into the vice president’s seat after her one year as president.
The board also seated newly elected member Brenda Wilson, who ran uncontested in winning a five-year term in April.
“For the past 15 years, I’ve been all over the district, every school, and the most proud thing is that my kids have gone through Peoria Public Schools,” said Brenda Wilson, who abstained in all of the reorganization votes. “I’m a cheerleader for the district, and I can’t wait to start serving the district in a new chapter as a board member.”
Chanel Hargrave-Murray left the board following the conclusion of her appointment to serve out the final year of Anni Reinking’s term.
