Warren BOE eyes expanded dress code

The law requires the code not cause a financial burden on low-income families.
By AMANDA GARRETT
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A proposed dress code that would ban T-shirts, spandex and jeans is part of the city school district's efforts to improve pupil achievement and behavior, Superintendent Kathryn Hellweg said.
Hellweg gave new details on the proposed dress code for the 2007-08 school year at the board of education meeting Tuesday.
The board is considering adopting a dress code similar to the one in place at East Middle School, Hellweg said.
East's current dress code allows only solid-color shirts with collars and solid-color pants and skirts. T-shirts, leather or vinyl clothing, spandex, jeans and outdoor wear are not permitted, as is any other clothing fad or style deemed inappropriate by the administration, according to the current policy.
"What is being considered is a dress code, not a district uniform," Hellweg said. "Ultimately, board members will vote on a district-wide dress code policy as part of the Student Code of Conduct."
Pupils who violate East's dress code can face suspension from school for their fourth offense, according to the policy.
What's planned
The board plans to hold open forums this spring to obtain feedback from parents and community members, Hellweg said. The dates and times for those meetings have not been determined.
The district will also work with area department stores to ensure they are stocking their shelves with clothes that fit dress-code requirements, Hellweg said.
The district is required by law to work with low-income pupils so the dress code does not become a financial burden on parents, Hellweg said.
agarrett@vindy.com