By By Sherry Digmon
Advance Staff Writer
The Escambia County (Ala.) Board of Education's uniform policy will not change for the next school term. However, the uniform committee did present recommendations and clarification notes to the board at Thursday's regular meeting.
The committee submitted the following clarification.
n No skorts. Only kilts, long fitted skirts or uniform style/slant pocket shorts are allowed.
* Undershirts must be solid white with no print.
* No long sleeve shirts may be worn under short sleeve shirts.
* No vests.
* No jersey, denim, corduroy, jeans or sweatshirt material allowed.
* No clothing items tied at the waist, neck or body. "The problem in winter is that children started wearing what they want to wear. So that they don't have to tuck their shirts in, they tie jackets around their waists," Carmichael said.
* No cargo, painter or carpenter pants are allowed. Uniform style pants with slant pockets only are acceptable.
* No flair or wide leg pants, and no pants with splits.
* No logos on clothing.
* No turtleneck shirts.
* No boots (cowboy, combat, etc.) that go between the ankle and the knee.
* Shirts must be tucked in while the student is anywhere on campus.
* Kindergartners and first-graders have an option n they may wear elastic waist pants or belt-looped pants with belt. If pants have an elastic waist and belt loops, a belt must be worn.
* Reminder: Kilts are knee length and shorts must be no more than 2 inches above the knee.
Board member Jimmy Dukes asked about a look-a-like plaid that had been considered. Carmichael said that particular plaid will be acceptable and will be available at a new uniform store coming into the county. She added that these plaid jumpers will be about $10 cheaper each.
The committee made the following recommendations to the board:
* Because uniforms are in place there should be no uniform assistance for the 2000-2001 school year by the school system.
* School handbooks should contain the uniform policy, consequences and clarification notes with a parent sign-off sheet to be returned to the school.
* Each school should display a model uniform.
* New students enrolling must have uniforms before they start school.
* Inappropriate jackets and sweaters should be removed at the school doors and left in the office to be put back on as students leave.
* All administrators and staff must enforce the mandatory uniform policy.
The board approved the recommendations and commended the committee for their work.
The committee met earlier than was planned due to inquiries from vendors wanting to know if the code is changing.
Committee member Lee Bain emphasized the importance of getting the information to the merchants.
Superintendent Dr. Margaret Breland-Bradley agreed.
In addition to Carmichael and Bain, committee members are Kay Herrington, Alice Adams, Betty Warren, Teresa Hultz, Kina Burkett, Margaret Hall and Sharon Couch.