Newport News, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Newport News Schools is now requiring all students, from Kindergarten to seniors in High School, to use clear backpacks at school. The safety measure follows a school year in which a six-year old shot and wounded his teacher at Richneck Elementary. Abby Zwerner is now suing the district for $40 million over the shooting in January.
The district says it is purchasing the backpacks and will distribute them at the start of the school year. Officials say their goal is to make this change hassle-free. The district is also increasing security officers and adding weapons detection systems at all schools.
The mother of the six-year old says her son suffers from severe ADHD. She has pled guilty to federal charges in this case, and is set to plead to state charges in August.
