Ennis ISD starts new school year with strict security measures

Several school districts are going back to school with new security guidelines. However, Ennis ISD's new rules seem to be the most drastic.

Parents and students are back to school shopping in Ennis, but they’re not buying just any backpacks.

Beginning the first day of school on Thursday, Ennis ISD is requiring all students to carry clear backpacks. They’ll also be required to wear school IDs.

The Parkland, Florida, school shooting in February caused the district to make the changes. They mirror the security measures put in place at Stoneman Douglas High School after 17 students and staff were killed there.

Back then, Ennis ISD also said students could be searched at random effective immediately. The district decided that classroom doors will be locked throughout the school day.

Aida Hernandez's daughter is going into 4th grade.

"I just like it,” she said. “It's a good safety thing for all the students."

Student Tidtrick Lillie doesn’t like the clear backpacks because students should be able to express themselves.

“I don't think we should wear clear backpacks. I don't know. I just don't like them."

Ennis ISD also says there will be more canines, cameras and security officers.

Hibbett Sports says its received calls from parents trying to comply and wanting to buy a clear backpack. Pictures posted to the Ennis ISD Facebook page show dozens of clear backpacks donated at a school supply charity event.

Lillie thinks the new backpack rule could stop a student from bringing a weapon.

"I don't think they're going to bring guns no more,” Lillie said.

FOX 4 contacted the spokesperson for the district, but did not hear back.

In a statement earlier this year, the district said, "Our parents and guardians have entrusted us with a priceless gift by sending their children to our schools, and we take that responsibility very seriously."