Tougher code may not draw students' cheers

Hemlines and shorts shorter than 4 inches above the knee would be banned from classes under the School Board's proposed dress code.

By KENT FISCHER

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 3, 2000

LAND O'LAKES -- A proposed tougher school dress code may end the long-standing tradition of cheerleaders wearing their uniforms to school on game day.

The tougher dress code, part of the district's Student Code of Conduct, would ban all shorts and skirts that don't extend to at most 4 inches above the knee. That would effectively prohibit cheerleaders from wearing their uniforms to school, and board members seemed unwilling to make an exception for them.

"They'll have a choice to make: Either make their skirts conform or don't wear them," said board president Marge Whaley.

The revised policy also would ban flip flops, slippers, shower sandals, low-cut blouses or any clothing that allows underwear to show through. The policy also would require that students wear their pants securely around their waists. The plan would also ban high school students from wearing hats.

Whaley said that if students refuse to adhere to the stricter dress code next school year, she would urge the board to take the unusual step of banning shorts and short skirts outright. Last year, Superintendent John Long said he would support such a decision if the board wanted to do it.

"We need to tell parents and students that we're being serious about this," Whaley said. "If we can't implement it with minimal (hassle), then the kids won't be able to wear shorts at all."

The board must hold two public hearings on the revised Student Code of Conduct before it votes to accept the proposed changes.

A year ago the board criticized principals and administrators for not enforcing the dress code. Administrators toughened up on the dress code this school year, but a committee reviewing the Student Code of Conduct recommended toughening the policy anyway.

In addition to the Student Code of Conduct, the board also reviewed proposed changes to the district's Pupil Progression Plan, which lays out the policies governing how students advance through school.

One proposed change would eliminate the district's requirement that middle school teachers base 25 percent of their grades on student attendance and classroom participation. Teachers will develop their own grading systems, with the approval of principals.

"There was a lot of mixed feelings about the participation points from parents, teachers and students," said administrator Ann Still-Chapman. "They felt that it led to inflated grades."

The board also shot down a proposed district purchase of land adjacent to Schrader Elementary School in New Port Richey. Administrators recommended offering the land's owners $317,000 for the 3.5-acre parcel that the district will eventually need to expand Schrader, a crowded school.

Board member Pam Coulter, who has a background in real estate, reviewed the proposed deal and recommended the district offer $275,000 for the land. The board agreed by a vote of 5-0.

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