Board votes for uniforms for Bradford Middle School

By MELISSA BURNSED

The concept of mandatory uniforms for students in Bradford County originated with a proposal from Jason Jennings, the new principal at the Renaissance Center, a couple of weeks ago. Jennings asked the board to support a standard uniform for long-term students of the alternative school. The board and system administrators were interested in exploring the concept for other schools within the district.

Positive feedback from the community led to a unanimous school board vote last week. However instead of just implementing the new policy at the Renaissance Center, Bradford’s Alternative School, the newly approved pilot program will have students in sixth through eighth grade at Bradford Middle School wearing uniforms in the coming school year. After testing the program, the uniform policy could eventually become the standard on all public school campuses in the county.

The board took swift action so parents would have advance notice before buying new school clothes. The code of conduct will be officially changed to reflect inclusion of the pilot program once the school board has held a formal public hearing on the policy change. The vote last Monday was primarily about the board showing its support for the program.

Students at the Renaissance Center were not included in the language implementing the pilot program. But families of returning students to the Renaissance Center who will be affected by a new uniform requirement will be notified by mail.

The board describes the move as an opportunity to promote disciplinary and academic improvement, not a punishment.

"We're trying to provide the most user-friendly environment for academic achievement for our students. That's the purpose behind it," School Superintendent Harry Hatcher said. "We're taking this as a positive," he added, citing cost savings for families to highlight the advantages of the uniform requirement.

Board members discussed requirements for the uniform code and issues like affordability and availability. Hatcher said it's important to communicate with vendors to make sure there's an adequate supply of the uniform basics available locally. Bradford Middle School Principal Jeff Cable even discussed the possibility of having an advertised vendor fair in the school's gymnasium where parents could come to order items.

The standards adopted for the program will require male and female middle-school students to wear collared polo-style shirts in solid colors of red, blue, grey and white. Two or three buttons styles will be allowed and students must wear the shirts with all but the top button fastened and with the shirttail tucked in. Logos or pockets on the breast of the shirt will not be permitted. The school principal will be able to authorize the addition of logos representing school-sponsored teams or activities.

Slacks (dress pants and "khakis," but not cargos) in solid colors of khaki, black or navy with the traditional four or fewer pockets are permitted. Denim jeans are not permitted. Shorts, skirts and capris may be worn in the same colors so long as they are hemmed to the top of the knee or longer. Dresses are also prohibited.

Additionally, uniform basics must be sized appropriately for the individual wearing them to prevent the look from being too tight or too baggy.

Principal Cable, who fully supports the pilot program, said he liked the "cost aspect" for the community, and said uniforms would have a "great impact on the learning environment."

Having students wear outfits worth hundreds of dollars deepens the divide between the haves and have-nots and sets up a situation that invites teasing and bullying, according to school officials.

Assistant Superintendent Lisa Prevatt presented pro uniform data that showed requiring students to wear uniforms reduces discipline problems and peer pressure, along with improving academic performance. A report cited discussed reductions in socio-economic tension, improved student conduct measured by fewer discipline referrals and increased academic achievement demonstrated by a higher number of honor roll students. Prevatt said uniforms make a lot of sense based on her research.

Reaction from those present at Monday's school board workshop was largely positive. Karen Bowen a new teacher next year said that instead of coming to school looking for approval because of what they are wearing, students will come ready to receive an education. She said she would even like to see a uniform requirement for teachers to avoid a double standard.

Pastor Byron Ramseur said he was all for uniforms and urged the board not to disregard Bowen's comments regarding teachers. Rather than having to constantly enforce a dress code, he said uniforms will give school staff members one less thing to worry about.

BMS teacher John Alexander said requiring uniforms will send the message that the school is serious about education, and Assistant Principal Ernest Williams said his children attended a school with a uniform requirement and the result was a focus on academics, not fashion. He said the teasing that results over what kids wear is a real issue for the school system.

Not everyone was as keen on the new uniform policy. Lawtey Community School Principal David Tew questioned enforcement, exceptions and what the consequences would be for noncompliance.

Beth Moore, a candidate for school superintendent said the board was going to have to consider a lot of different aspects such as affordability for some families. There was acknowledgement that some families may not have been planning on purchasing new school clothes at all this year, especially in view of the current state of the economy. Hatcher said the district is looking at ways to address the hardship the pilot program may place on some families.

Hatcher cautioned board members that the district wouldn't likely hear from those who supports uniforms and instead to anticipate hearing a good deal from those who oppose them.

A date for the public hearing and adoption of the new uniform policy has yet to be announced.