Board to Hold Dress Code Talk in September

Discussions are still being held about what to do concerning a for students and staff at and the rest of the district—but the official word from high school principal Lew Ludwig is to just have better enforcement.

“This is for student and staff dress code, and the policy committee felt that it could be a lengthy discussion and possible a hot topic,” said board member Daniel Petrozelli at the May 8 meeting. “Do we really want to go with a full dress code, do we do it grade by grade, school by school or at the district level?”

Superintendent of  Schools Michael Schilder said a report from the high school concluded that the current dress code should remain in place and it should not be changed, but it should be enforce and re-communicated to the district.

“And teacher and administrators will enforce the code,” he said. “The recommendation was not to go any further with it.”

“But the current code is general,” he added. “It says inappropriate attire, so a lot is left up to the interpretation of the administration and staff.”

Despite the recommendation, board members said they would like to get comments from the public and staff to determine what others think should be done.

“I think this is an important subject to discuss, and I think the community and teachers here have a strong feeling about it,” said board of education president Evan Lerner. “I would like to get this on the agenda for a discussion item so we have the benefit of hearing from the public.”

Board members said they agree, but are leery about holding the discussion over the summer when many people are on vacation. The board decided to put the discussion on the agenda for the second meeting in September, Sept. 25.

“I think it is important to get community input from parents and staff on the dress code for students and staff,” said board of education member Jill Gladstone.

What do you think? Should the current code just be enforced, or should there be a stricter one?