GRANADA — The Granada-Huntley-East Chain School Board has approved a policy that prohibits backpacks and bags in classrooms.

The policy states that all backpacks and bags are expected to be stored in lockers during the school day. Examples of bags that are no longer permitted in the classroom include backpacks, cinch bags, purses and duffel bags.

GHEC Superintendent Mandy Fletcher said the idea for the policy came about after noticing that a number of students have not been using their lockers, but instead carrying all of their things from class to class in backpacks.

“It was getting to be a safety issue,” Fletcher said.

She said the backpacks take up too much space in the classroom, and can become a safety hazard.

“I’m not convinced that in the event that I would need to safely evacuate the students in a hurry that I could get them out in a safe and orderly manner because we have that many students who are wearing backpacks and bringing them to class,” Fletcher said.

Another concern is what could be brought into the classroom via backpacks. Fletcher said there have been times when items have been confiscated that are not only against district policy, but sometimes against the law.

This step to address safety concerns comes just two weeks after a threat to commit a school shooting was found in a GHEC bathroom. Law enforcement was contacted that afternoon, the suspect was identified and the threat was determined not to be imminent.

“My job is to keep them safe, and I feel very strongly that this is something I need to do in order to keep them safe,” Fletcher said.

She reached out to other school districts in the area about their backpack policies, and learned GHEC was the only school in the area that allowed backpacks in the classroom.

GHEC students were informed of the new policy Thursday, and it will go into effect today, although Fletcher said she understands it may take some time for students to get used to the policy.

In other action, the school board:

o Approved applications to the Martin County Youth Foundation for $4,000 to be used for preschool and after-school supplies and $7,000 for playground and recess training.