5/11/23 - Backpacks Banned For GRPS Students

Another gun was brought to a GRPS school building and as a result backpacks will be banned for the remainder of the school year.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) —(News Release) -  Grand Rapids Public Schools will no longer allow scholars to bring backpacks into school following the fourth confiscation of a handgun from a student this academic year.

District leaders made this difficult decision Wednesday after a loaded handgun was discovered in the backpack of a third-grade student. 

The latest confiscations involved elementary school students. In three of the four incidents, the weapons were located in backpacks.

“This is not a decision we’ve taken lightly and we know this poses a significant inconvenience for our families. I am more than frustrated that a decision like this is necessary, but we must put safety first and that’s what this decision is about,” Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Leadriane Roby, Ph.D. said. “This is just one step in an ongoing conversation about how we can best protect our children in our rapidly-changing world.”

This policy will remain in effect until further notice. The district is actively engaged in the work of enhancing security protocol and rules will be modified as appropriate.

Anyone with questions or concerns about this policy is urged to email communications@grps.org and your questions will be addressed by the appropriate school staff.