BELTON, TX — At this year's graduation, Belton ISD class of 2019 graduates and their families and friends will have to follow a new clear bag policy.
The district explained it is a measure to protect the safety and security of Belton ISD graduates and their guests.
Doug Taylor, coordinator of safety and security for the district, shared that in the past, security staff has had to thoroughly search bags which caused delays in lines.
While visitors will still go through a security check, they hope the new policy will make the process more efficient and lessen the burden on security staff.
Each person is allowed one large clear bag and one small clutch. The small clutch bags do not have to be clear, however they cannot exceed 4.5" x 6.5".
"We have provided a clear bag for each one of our graduates this year with a copy of the guidelines so that the student could take those home and help us get the word out to their families that there is a new policy this year. And we'll have a number of limited bags on site for anyone who should need one at the door when they arrive," said Dr. Susan Kincannon, superintendent for Belton ISD.
By this point, all of the graduates should have received those tote bags.
Senior Nadia Meyer shared she thinks the policy is a good idea.
"I think that graduation is supposed to be a time where it's happy and it's a time of like you know you're starting your new life and you don't need to risk anything," said Meyer.
If a visitor brings a bag that is not authorized, they will be asked to take it back to their car.
This policy impacts graduates and guests attending Belton High School and Belton New Tech High School at Waskow graduation ceremonies on Thursday at the Bell County Expo Center.
Holland, Copperas Cove and Killeen high schools also hold graduation ceremonies at the Bell County Expo Center.
Officials confirmed, Belton ISD is the first and only district to enact this policy at the multi-purpose arena.
