BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — Uniforms for students at Braford Middle School are a thing of the past.
Beginning in August BMS student dress policies will reflect those of the high school
Except for a pandemic-related moratorium during 2020-21 school year, uniforms have been a way of life for students at BMS since 2008-09. It was an attempt to enforce discipline and place focus on achievement, although the policy was never expanded to other campuses.
According to a 2010 study by Dr. Warren Hodge and Dr. La’Tara Osborne-Lampkin at the University of North Florida, the resulting impact on discipline and attendance was mixed at best.
The school board has never seen fit to repeal the policy until now.
On Monday night, Superintendent Will Hartley told the board that new BMS Principal Ben Hawkins would prefer uniforms not be required, and Hartley believes the administration should have a say in the policy. It was one of the first things he and Hawkins discussed, and looking at the discipline data, he said there are “bigger fish to fry.”
Comparing the number of disciplinary referrals from the pandemic moratorium and the following year where uniforms were required, the difference was only seven referrals, according to the superintendent.
“It was (Hawkins’) position that if the purpose of the uniform was to curb behavior, it hasn’t happened. So, it was his feeling we should move forward without it,” Hartley said.
Hartley also said it’s important parents know now as they begin purchasing clothes for the upcoming school year.
School Board Member Candace Osteen cited the research and said she always felt it was odd to require uniforms at a single school.
Chairwoman Sheila Cummings said she reached out to Hawkins for feedback, and she supported his position based on the data. But she did emphasize that there will be a dress code and it will be followed from day one.
School Board Member Erica Reddish said she has been a proponent of uniforms and believes it makes life easier to have kids that age in uniform. Past administrators have supported them as well. However, the new principal feels differently, and you cannot argue with the numbers, she said.
With this decision, middle schoolers will no longer be restricted to solid-colored polo shirts and slacks, shorts or skirts. Jeans and T-shirts are now OK. Dress shirts, too. Straps on sleeveless shirts must be at least two inches wide. Tank tops, muscle shirts, halter tops and the like are prohibited. Any sheer garment must have a garment that meets dress code underneath.
No holes in clothing or clothing that is too tight or loose. Shorts, skirts and dresses must show no skin above the fingertips when arms are held straight down at the side. Tennis shoes and hard sole shoes are preferred. No heels that are too high, and no sandals or flipflops during PE classes. Offensive or suggestive words or images are prohibited.
