Students in Iberia Parish could be carrying different backpacks next year. The school board is considering requiring students to carry clear or mesh backpacks. 

“We’ve installed the most sophisticated camera systems, we’ve installed metal detectors, we’ve redesigned and reconfigured all of the front entrances every school in the district so that they’re the only single point of access with an electronic door,” says Superintendent Dale Henderson.

He says mandating clear or mesh backpacks adds another layer of protection for schools. 

Some parents are worried about the cost. The cheapest mesh backpack we found online started at about nine dollars, the most expensive going up to almost 70.

Henderson says tells parents shouldn’t worry. The school board will start asking local businesses and nonprofits to donate clear our mesh bags if the measure passes.

He says, “When you were running a backpack through a metal detector instead of having to open it and check inside well look how easy it.”

The principal of North Street Elementary, Bryan Hudson says, “I do feel that the clear or mesh backpacks are a good idea. It’s just the one piece of the puzzle that is missing.”

“If we are able to catch one, two, or five who would possibly intent to do harm, and this helps and it’s well worth the investment,” says Henderson.

The final decision on the backpacks will be made at this Wednesday’s school board meeting.