PROCEDURE:

1. The purposes of requiring students to wear a prescribed uniform are to:

a) promote an improved school climate for learning

b) increase student safety and security

c) foster school unity and pride

d) reduce peer pressure

2. The principal will establish a uniform advisory committee. The committee shall draft a uniform policy and then survey parents, students and staff as to their opinions of the proposed uniform policy. Results will be presented to the School Advisory Council (SAC). The SAC must vote in favor of supporting a mandatory use of uniforms for students and make a recommendation to the principal to conduct a parent vote. Voting shall occur on specific dates determined and advertised by the principal.

Adoption of a mandatory uniform policy requires that at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the voting parents vote in favor of implementation beginning the following school year. The principal shall send a written recommendation to the Executive Director of their division that includes all pertinent information, including the results of the vote. The Executive Director will present the recommendation to the Superintendent.

In April of each fifth year of implementation, the principal will conduct a vote to determine the continuation of the policy, using the seventy-five percent (75%) criteria.

New schools may form a uniform committee and conduct a vote in the spring prior to their opening year.

3. The school-selected uniforms will comply with other district provisions concerning appropriate attire. Each school implementing a uniform policy must communicate to parents the following guidelines:

a) types and colors;

b) may not be gender specific (both boys and girls may wear slacks);

c) optional articles of attire, if any;

d) compliance measures to be employed;

e) the availability of financial support and the procedures for applying for assistance;

f) methods to facilitate recycling of uniforms within the school community; and

g) notice of uniform sales and lists of competitive prices from vendors of uniform articles.

The means by which this uniform information is communicated must include school newsletters, announcements, parent forums, Connect Ed, PTA/PTO meetings, web sites, e-mail messages, school advisory council meetings and/or registration materials.

4. Each school should strive to achieve compliance through use of incentives and positive reinforcement measures. Prior to initiating any disciplinary action against a student not complying with the policy, school staff shall contact the parent or guardian to solicit cooperation and support. Disciplinary action is initiated only after all means to secure support and cooperation have not succeeded.

5. Exceptions to wearing the uniform are permitted when:

a) uniforms of a nationally recognized youth organization such as JROTC, or the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts are worn on regular meeting days;

b) a special school program requires a certain attire; or

c) the attire or garb is of a sincerely held religious belief or conviction, unless the wearing of such attire or garb violates School Board policy or disrupts the educational process.

The principal of a school may designate a specific day to allow students to wear other types of clothing.