Ten people are on the agenda to speak to the Starkville school board about uniforms, an issue that is hotly contested and on the agenda for a board decision tonight.
In January, the board suddenly took up the issue of uniforms and on a 3-2 vote, directed the superintendent to draw up a school uniform policy. After public outcry, the board voted 3-2 to table the matter until they could hear from the public. Board president Walter Taylor cast the swing vote in both instances, with the sides being otherwise drawn up by Eddie Myles and Pickett Wilson voting in favor of uniforms and Keith Coble and Bill Weeks voting opposed.
The board held a public forum Feb. 11 to allow people on both sides of the issue to state their opinions. The event had a high public turnout despite the time conflicting with a in-conference, Mississippi State University home basketball game.
At the Feb. 16 meeting, the board recognized a first reading of the proposed policy, but took no action. This is their custom when handling the first reading of any proposed policy
The policy, officially called the Student Dress Code policy (JU), is on the agenda tonight for a second reading and consideration of adoption. In accordance with an attorney general”s opinion, the term “uniform” has been changed to “dress code” in the policy.
The policy requires black or khaki pants, shorts or skirts, with tops of colors to be established by the individual schools.
The board will meet at 6 p.m. in the Greensboro Center.
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