Dundee school approves new dress code

DUNDEE—The Dundee school board approved a new dress code during their regular meeting Thursday, July 11. The dress code applies to all grade levels in the district and states all students must “dress appropriately for all school and school functions.”
The board voted unanimously for the measure, with many agreeing it is a good idea. Board member Matthew Camacho said many teachers were uncomfortable with addressing students wearing inappropriate clothing, and the dress code will help them avoid those situations by letting students know exactly what is expected of them.
“This has been an ongoing conversation for a few years,” Superintendent Kathy Ring said. “We were looking for a way to simplify what the expectations are, yet to make them very clear. This was the solution we came to.”
The following clothing items are now banned under the new dress code:
• Tops without sleeves or tops that are low cut.
• Half shirts.
• See-through tops.
•Tops that promote or endorse alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs.
• Tops that are vulgar, obscene or offensive.
• Pajama pants, visible undergarments and spandex pants.
• Pants that are tight fitting, ripped, hip huggers, low-rise and/or sagging.
• Shorts, skirts or pants that do not come close to the knee (except for physical education class).
• Slippers.
The code says items like sleeved shirts, loose fitting pants and shorts that go to the knee are still allowed, along with shoes, sneakers, sandals and boots. It also recommends students place all hats, bandannas, sweatbands and sunglasses in their lockers prior to class.
Ring said the board was also considering the possible implementation of a school uniform in the future. Ring said it will be ongoing discussion with community and student input being considered.
In other business:
• The board swore in recently reelected board members James Koehler, Kristen VanValkenburg and Paul Brown during the meeting. All three members ran unopposed during the annual school board and budget vote held in May.
• The board scheduled a workshop for Thursday, July 25 at 6 p.m. to discuss what the district will be doing with replacing Ring as superintendent after she retires.
• The board discussed the fact that 22 percent of the graduating class of 2013 is entering the workforce. VanValkenburg said many students may have a difficult time making it work in this economy and it should be a priority of the district to make that number go back down. Camacho and Brown replied saying there was actually more of a need for younger workers who would get more out of gaining experience than going to college. Brown said he did not want the board to appear as if it was disappointed in those students who enter the workforce after graduation.
“With the rising cost of education, I’d be surprised if more people didn’t enter the workforce,” Camacho said.