RCPS implements clear backpacks for 2022-23 school year

CONYERS, GA – Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) will require all students to carry clear bookbags beginning with the 2022-23 school year. At its meeting on April 21, the Rockdale County Board of Education approved the purchase of 16,500 clear bookbags that will be distributed to students.

Superintendent Terry Oatts issued the following statement in a news release on April 22:

“This is just another safety measure in our comprehensive plan to increase safety and security in all of our schools.

We have increased safety and security over the past few years by installing safety vestibules in every school giving controlled access, upgrading and increasing the number of surveillance cameras across the district, increasing the number of prevention and intervention specialists in schools, and starting the rollout of camera systems in classrooms.

In addition, RCPS recently revised its Discipline Code of Conduct to address student altercations involving three or more students which are inherently disruptive to the learning environment and the safety of the school campus.

We understand that clear bookbags are not going to thwart all safety threats; however, they may be a deterrent for students bringing any inappropriate items to school and will enhance our multi-measured approach to increasing school safety.”

More details about the use of the clear bookbags and the distribution of them will be shared in the next few weeks.