BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
This coming school year it is teachers and other employees of Bradford County schools who are receiving a dress code.
Proposed policy 6.380 is titled Professional Conduct and Dress/Grooming for Staff Members. Operations and Safety Director Jeff Edison introduced it to school board members Monday night who later approved a July 14 public hearing.
Edison said the policy supports professional behavior by employees and a positive image for schools. The policy states:
“Teachers and staff members are expected to dress in a manner befitting the educational profession and their specific role. Staff members are expected to dress in a professional, clean, neat, and appropriate manner during working hours and at school-sponsored events. Professional attire supports the credibility of educators, promotes a positive image of the school, and models appropriate dress for students. Staff should be groomed and dressed in such a way that it does not interfere with or disrupt the educational process or cause a health or safety hazard.”
Rather than specifically advise what teachers and employees should wear, the policy provides a list of unacceptable attire that includes:
—jeans with holes/rips/stains.
—T-shirts with graphics, slogans or logos that are not school related.
—clothing with tobacco, alcohol or political graphics.
—athletic wear like sweatpants or gym shorts, unless appropriate for specific duties (physical education).
—leggings or tight spandex.
—revealing or excessively short and/or tight clothing.
—hats or caps indoors (except for religious or medical reasons).
—flip-flops or Crocs.
The prohibition on Crocs required clarification since the brand does produce shoes styles other than their signature clog. The more professional styles would be considered acceptable.
Exceptions are also made for staff with certain duties like coaches and food service workers. With administrative approval, exceptions will be made for spirit days, field trips or other special events.
Ultimately it will be up to principals or immediate supervisors to help employees maintain compliance. Superintendent Will Hartley said principals would be given guidance and collaborate with one another, so enforcement of the policy does not vary widely across the district.
Any staff member not adhering to the policy may be asked to change and subject to progressive disciplinary action, according to the policy.
The policy also addresses language, prohibiting employees from using profane or abusive language to, or in the presence of, students.
“It is expected all employees will be competent and capable in the performance of assigned duties, functions, and responsibilities, demonstrating quality and pride in their efforts, and serve as an appropriate role model for students, while supporting the School Board Mission and Goals for the District,” the policy states.
The board voted to advertising the policy for a public hearing on July 14.
Code of conduct
When it comes to the student code of conduct, the only dress code change involved incorporating language that allows administratively approved exceptions for certain activities such as Pajama Day. This has been standard practice.
The code already requires cell phones and other electronic devices at elementary and middle schools to be powered off and put away during the school day. Language was added to allow use of a cell phone during instructional time under the direction of a teacher for educational purposes. (High school and career technical college students may still use their phones before or after school and during passing periods and at lunch.)
Graduation on time
Deputy Superintendent Karen Clarke also introduced a change to the student progression plan that requires students to graduate by their 19th birthday, unless they have an IEP (individualized education program) that allows them to be up to 22 years old.
Permission to continue could be granted on a case-by-case basis if the student’s GPA and credit attainment demonstrate they are close to graduating or if there has been some hardship, such as illness. Otherwise, a student’s last day would be their 19th birthday.
The school board approved the additions to the code of conduct and progression plan on first reading. The documents will be brought back for final approval at future date.
