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Student models try out potential uniforms as Akron panel begins discussion of policy
By John Higgins
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Tuesday, Oct 23, 2007
The Akron Board of Education started the public discussion of a draft of a new uniform rule Monday with a fashion show featuring students from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Parent Kathy Johnson introduced them as they stepped up on a small stage and did their best runway model impersonations.
''Coming up the aisle right now is third-grader Rachel (Pace),'' Johnson said into a hand-held microphone. ''Rachel looks great in the flat-front khaki flair pants. The Oxford white, short-sleeve button-down collar blouse is worn with a navy crew-neck cardigan sweater. The khaki stretch belt and khaki headband look great for school. Thank you very much, Rachel.''
The board has worked on a new policy for kindergarten through eighth-grade students since last February. The policy got a first reading on Monday, and a final vote isn't expected until early December.
The policy spells out in detail what's allowed and what's not.
Basically, shirts must be polo-style, two- or three-button knit collared shirts in solid white, blue or yellow or two school colors designated by the principal.
Boys may wear flat-front or pleated pants or knee-length shorts; girls may wear the same, plus jumpers and ''skorts'' (combined skirt/shorts).
The policy also covers socks and belts but not shoes, other than to encourage plain, single-color shoes. The policy doesn't restrict outerwear, but it must be kept in a locker or other designated area.
''This is a very measured policy,'' board member James Hardy said. ''I like this policy because it doesn't overreach.''
Some parents agreed during the public comment session. Wesley Ridenour, who has children in the district, did not.
''I don't think it's right,'' Ridenour said. ''I think that it takes away the individuality of it. Yes, you do have a problem with the dress code. It needs to be tighter, but it also needs to be enforced.''
Parent Carol Beam echoed that sentiment.
''Don't force people and kids who are coming to school dressed properly to go into uniforms because you can't enforce the dress code,'' she said.
Other parents spoke against the policy because they were concerned it would stifle creativity and diversity.
But Forest Hill PTA President Christina Cleveland thanked the board for the new policy.
''A lot of the parents we've spoken to are very excited about the upcoming school year,'' Cleveland said.
Ethel Chambers spoke in favor, too. She doesn't have children in the district.
She worried about violence sparked by students envying each others' expensive clothing.
''They have leather jackets. What happens to them? They get stolen and they might get killed over that leather jacket,'' she said.
The public can complete a survey about the new policy at the district's Web site, http://www.akronschools.com.
A survey taken last month of parents at the 11 elementary schools that already have a uniform policy showed 88 percent thought it was good idea; 91 percent thought it eliminated inappropriate dress trends; and 76 percent thought it saved money for families.
John Higgins can be reached at 330-996-3792, 800-777-7232 or jhiggins@thebeaconjournal.com.
The Akron Board of Education started the public discussion of a draft of a new uniform rule Monday with a fashion show featuring students from kindergarten through fifth grade.
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