Clear Backpacks and Bags Initiative for the 2023/24 School Year

  • Pending Board Approval

  • Clear Backpack Board Action Timeline

    • Town Hall on School Safety - Monday, June 12, 2023
    • Board Workshop - Tuesday, June 20, 2023
    • Board Vote - Tuesday, July 25, 2023

    Pending board approval, this proactive measure takes effect on the first day of the 2023/24 school year – Monday, August 21, 2023. As of that date, ONLY clear backpacks and bags (purses, duffel bags, fanny packs, lunch boxes, etc.) will be allowed on school campuses for students in grades pre-K – 12.

    The purpose of this requirement is to add an additional layer of safety across our District and provide added safeguards for our students, staff, and faculty. While backpacks are not mandatory, they must be clear and all contents within the backpack must be visible.  

    The only exceptions permitted are:

    •  A small non-transparent pouch for personal hygiene items.
    • Thermal food containers carried inside clear lunch boxes.
    • School-approved sport-specific carrying case for athletic equipment.
    • School-approved instrument-specific carrying case for band equipment.

    By enforcing this requirement, we aim to prevent potential security issues and foster a safe learning environment.

    Clear Backpacks and Bags FAQs: Español, Kreyòl Ayisyen, Português 


    School Safety Town Hall Meeting School Safety Town Hall
    Join The School Board of Broward County and
    Interim Superintendent Dr. Earlean Smiley for a School Safety Town Hall 

    Monday, June 12, 2023,     at 5:30 pm
    Plantation High School
    6901 NW 16th Street, Plantation, FL 33313  

    Español, Kreyòl Ayisyen, Português  
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  • What type of clear backpacks and bags are permitted?

    All backpacks and bags must be clear and made of transparent plastic or vinyl material and must not have any opaque or tinted parts. The backpack or bag may have side mesh pockets, but backpacks made entirely of mesh will not be allowed.

  • What happens if a student has a non-approved backpack or bag?

    Students with non-compliant backpacks will be subject to search and appropriate disciplinary action.

  • What about personal hygiene items?

    A small non-transparent privacy pouch will be allowed for personal hygiene items.

  • What types of lunch boxes are approved?

    All lunch boxes must be clear and made of transparent plastic or vinyl material. Students may bring hot/cold food containers. A thermos for hot/cold drinks is also permitted. These items must be stored in a clear lunch box or clear bag.

  • What types of bags are approved for athletic equipment?

    Student-athletes are required to use clear duffel bags to bring their sporting equipment to school. Exceptions: Bats (softball/baseball) and lacrosse sticks may be carried in their school-approved, sport-specific carrying case.

  • What types of bags are approved for band equipment?

    Band equipment must be carried in a school-approved, instrument-specific carrying case.

  • Do staff members have to use clear backpacks and bags?

    Staff and faculty are exempt from the clear backpack requirement.

  • Do volunteers have to use clear backpacks and bags?

    No, only students are required to follow the clear backpack and bag requirement.

  • Do school visitors have to use clear backpacks and bags?

    Like staff and volunteers, visitors do not have to follow the clear backpack and bag requirement.