5511.01 - SCHOOL UNIFORMS FOR GRADES KINDERGARTEN TO EIGHT

Akron City Schools

Bylaws & Policies

5511.01 - SCHOOL UNIFORMS FOR GRADES KINDERGARTEN TO EIGHT

In May 2007, the Akron Board of Education enacted a new District-wide Dress and Grooming policy ("Dress Code") to replace Board Policy 5511. This policy, Policy 5511.01, is the second phase of Board action and deals with school uniforms for grades kindergarten to eight (8) ("School Uniform Policy for K-8"). The policy shall supplement the District-wide Dress Code policy, which shall remain in force and effect. The Superintendent recommends a School Uniform policy for K-8, to be implemented at the commencement of the 2008-2009 school year.

In advance of adopting this policy, the Board has disseminated information through the media, its public access television station, and its web-site, together with brochures distributed in K-8 schools. The Board has also provided opportunities for public comment.

As required by State statute, the Superintendent shall undertake to provide written notification of the uniform requirements established by this School Uniform policy for K-8 to parents and guardians of students at least six (6) months before the commencement of school in 2008.

The District has experienced substantial success with required school uniform programs in ten (10) elementary buildings and in one (1) middle school. A survey of the parents/guardians of students in these schools showed an overall favorable approval rating of school uniforms in excess of eighty-five percent (85%). Advantages cited for school uniforms were:

	·	focuses students on learning and not on clothing;

	·	enhances school safety and promotes good behavior;

	·	bridges socioeconomic differences between children;

	·	instills pride in Akron citizens and APS families in their public schools;

	·	eliminates inappropriate dress trends at an early age; and

	·	produces cost savings for participating families.

Information Dissemination

The Superintendent shall:

	A.	provide written notification of the school uniform requirements established by this policy to parents of affected students six (6) months in advance of the first day of school in 2008; and
	B.	develop a plan about how the District will communicate to parents/guardians about information specific to:

	·	the reasons favoring the adoption of school uniforms;

	·	types and colors of uniforms for the coming school year;

	·	compliance measures to be employed;

	·	methods to facilitate recycling of uniforms within the school community;

	·	a list of known vendors of uniform articles and a list of the variety of size/style options available to meet an individual student's particular needs, such as half-sizes, plus and slim sizes, elastic waist options, etc.

The means by which this information is communicated shall include one (1) or more of the following:

	·	District newsletters

	·	school newsletter

	·	parent forums

	·	telephonic notification or through use of a telephone hotline

	·	PTA meetings and newsletters

	·	parent advisory meetings

	·	television, radio, and/or newspaper announcements

	·	posters displayed at school and in the community

	·	registration materials for new students

Financial Hardship

This policy shall be administered based on the demonstrated experience of economically disadvantaged families who have indicated, through their survey responses, that school uniforms result in cost savings.

Economically disadvantaged students who are eligible for a waiver of student fees and who apply for assistance at their schools because of severe financial hardship shall be referred for the provision of any needed school uniform clothing. It is the intention of the District that such funds or clothing shall be provided by outside social and charitable agencies, local businesses or grants.

The Superintendent shall:

	A.	develop an application form seeking assistance with meeting the uniform clothing requirements because of severe financial hardship;
	B.	make these applications available in the buildings;
	C.	appoint an administrator to oversee the program District-wide and shall designate a person in each building for building oversight of the program.

The District shall compile and maintain a list of community agencies, uniform retailers, organizations, and individuals willing to assist families in need.

The District shall set up a program to facilitate recycling of uniforms within the school community and individuals schools.

Modifications

Without further Board action, the Board authorizes the Superintendent to review, interpret and revise the school uniform requirements and procedures established by this policy after notifications to the Board and so long as his/her actions are consistent with the direction of the Board to require kindergarten through the eighth grade student uniforms throughout the District.

Adopted 12/10/07
Revised 8/28/08