- April 19, 2024
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Wayne Grant
News Editor
It’s almost certain that polo shirts will rule fashion at schools throughout Volusia County next year. The School Board gave staff members direction on developing a policy at their Nov. 10 meeting after spending several weeks getting input from teachers, students and parents.
There was an online survey, and the school board members traveled to the schools for face-to-face talks.
The next step will be for the staff to come back to the board with specific rules and regulations. The board will then vote on the new policy in two public meetings before they become official for the 2016-2017 school year.
The board heard both sides of the issue from students.
Mariel Kitaif, of Ormond Beach, who attends Spruce Creek High School, said that uniforms interfere with learning because students are pulled out of class when they don’t comply.
She also said for those who deal with body issues, pulling on a uniform is not helpful, and uniforms would not allow students to express individuality.
On the other side, Chad Millard, president of the freshman class at Spruce Creek, said the current policy is inefficient because it isn’t clear.
“We need a uniform policy that can be easily enforced,” he said.
He said it would reduce bullying and help students learn to dress professionally.
The School Board is unanimous about wanted to have uniforms, and only got bogged down in discussions about the details.
“I don’t want to reinvent the wheel; I just want to roll the wheel,” said member Dr. John Hill.
Starting at the bottom, the board decided to require closed shoes for elementary and middle school students, but be more flexible for high schools.
“I don’t want to legislate shoes for teenagers,” said board member Melody Johnson.
In other action, the board approved the calendar for the 2016-2017 year. The school year will start on August 15. This is an earlier date, so that students can complete exams prior to leaving on break.
At the meeting, teacher union President Andrew Spar pointed out that students will have a two-day week before leaving for the winter break, and then a two-day week after returning. He said teachers don’t like the plan because a number of students will probably miss those days.
The board discussed the matter, but seemed to run into a problem whenever they tried shifting days, so approved it as proposed.
At the end of the meeting, Chairwoman Linda Costello, of Ormond Beach, noted that it was her final meeting as chairwoman. Each November, the board selects a new chairman or chairwoman.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege,” she said. She said she is confident the next chairman will do a great job, and emphasized the need to keep eyes on the target, which is improving learning.
During her term, she said a strategic plan was developed, dual enrollment with Daytona State College and Bethune-Cookman University moved along and dialog with citizens and teachers was increased.
“I love you all,” she said in final remarks.
The School Board gave guidelines to staff members for developing a school uniform policy, but there could be changes as new rules will need two more public votes by the officials.
Shoes Covered toes for elementary and middle schools. No flip flops at high schools.
Length Current length requirement for shorts will remain.
Tops Polo shirts, both male and female
Special Days Spirit days and academic days can have relaxed standards, including jeans, with school approval
Colors One standard color and each school will select two more
Hats and sunglasses Allowed outside but not inside
Belts Required except for elementary. Both male and female.
