DeLand, FL – Volusia County’s school year starts over a week from now and that might be the last year students get to go to class without uniforms.
The School Board is considering a uniform policy again, one that could start by the 2016-17 school year.
Board members heard a presentation on the topic from Volusia County Schools staff during Tuesday’s meeting but took no vote.
VCS staff recommended getting input from parents, teachers and students before board members make any decision and possibly implementing a pilot uniform program at select schools.
In an appearance earlier this week on WNDB’s Marc Bernier program, VCSB Chairwoman Linda Costello says she expects some “pushback” from the public but feels that making students wear uniforms brings a lot of positives.
“Data shows that it has a positive effect on academic achievement, bullying and just reducing the competition for ‘stuff’,” Costello added. “The purpose of school is learning and we need to create an environment that best facilitates that.”
Costello also felt that going to uniforms would save parents money – especially when it comes to school clothes – and save teachers and administrators headaches in trying to enforce the current clothing rules.
She also felt that making all students wear uniforms would reduce bullying incidents on campus.
Other board members feel going to uniforms would help increase campus security by making it easier for security guards and school resource officers to spot someone who doesn’t belong.
The VCSB also considered the uniform idea in 2011 but decided instead on a county-wide student dress code. All 5 board members have changed since then, however.
If VCS students have to wear uniforms, the district could get some extra money from the state. The Florida Legislature recently passed a provision giving school districts $10 per student if the district requires students to wear uniforms.
The Flagler County School Board decided last May to loosen up some aspects of its uniform policy after making the move in 2012. Flagler County Schools is 1 of only 4 public school districts in the state to have a strict uniform policy for students.
The new school year in Volusia starts August 24th.
Copyright 2015 Southern Stone Communications.