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A mixed reaction was seen across the community last week after the Escambia County School Board members voted on the dress code June 26 for the upcoming school year for Escambia County Schools students.
In a 4-3 vote, Option B became the official dress code to be followed by all students in the system. The option put in place by the vote is a “relaxed” policy allowing students to continue wearing uniforms that have been in place for several years, but will allow for additional options.
In the dress code, students will be allowed to wear blue denim jeans (no holes, rips, tears or decorations) instead of uniform pants. Uniform collared shirts in school colors will still be allowed, but students will now be allowed to wear spirit shirts (with school logos) as an option. For outerwear, students may wear any color (no logos, no hoods indoors) they choose. As in previous dress codes, students will not be allowed to wear any clothing with inappropriate language, images or logos; no hats, caps or bandannas inside; and no open-toed shoes, slippers, crocks or slides.
In a public announcement, the Escambia County Schools System stated:
“Escambia County Schools remains committed to maintaining a positive and focused learning environment. To support school pride and provide flexible options for students, we are pleased to share the following images/documents outlining updates to the student dress code for the 2025–2026 school year. Students are expected to adhere to the dress code daily. Repeated violations will result in disciplinary action as outlined in the Code of Conduct. This dress code fosters a positive educational atmosphere that respects students’ individuality while ensuring their safety. Compliance is expected. Violations may result in disciplinary action as determined by the Code of Conduct. We appreciate your support in helping our students dress for success while showing school pride!”
Voting for Option A (open dress code) were Board Members Kevin Hoomes, Greg Dawkins and Jerry Wilson. Voting for Option B (relaxed dress code) were Cindy Jackson, Loumeek White, Sherry Digmon and Coleman Wallace.
In other business Thursday, the Board:
• approved a trip for the W.S. Neal High School band to attend and perform at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., from April 23 through April 25, 2026;
• approved the of purchase of library furniture from Interior Elements for A.C. Moore Primary School in the amount of $26,002.90 (Paid from PreK enhancement grant);
• approved of proposed dress code option B;
• approved a Revised Summer Salary Schedule
• approved dual enrollment for dual credit agreement between Reid State Technical College and Escambia County Schools;
• approved contract with Family First Education Services, LLC for supplemental vision services (Paid out of IDEA funds);
• approved the purchase of 100 Chromebooks for W.S. Neal High School from Arey Jones Educational Solutions in the amount of $36,939.00 (Paid out of W. S. Neal Title I funds);
• approved of the purchase of Accelerated Reader ($42,804.00); MyOn ($61,380.63); Nearpod/Flocabulary ($42,107) from Renaissance Learning (Paid out of FY25 A&T funds);
• approved a contract with Gulf Coast Therapy for physical and occupational therapy services for the 2025-2026 school year;
• approved to accept a bid from Boostr Building Group LLC for a video board at WSNHS in the amount of $159,000.00 (Ward Scott Morris project #24-009.00).
The following personnel changes/additions were also approved:
Retirement:
• Janet Brantley, media specialist at Flomaton Elementary, effective June 20.
Resignations:
• Paula Spicer, special ed teacher at ECHS, effect June 11; Anthony Buchanan special ed aide at ECHS, effective June 24; Kimberly Flores, teacher at Flomaton Elementary, effective June 30; Brittany Mattox, teacher at Flomaton Elementary, effective June 30; Hanna McFerrin, teacher at WSN Elementary, effective June 10; and Kristin Lucido, teacher at WSN Middle, effective June 12.
Employment:
• Vicki Smith, Elementary Curriculum & Instruction Supervisor, Escambia County Board of Education; Gus Holmes Physical Education Teacher A.C. Moore Primary School; Joydan Pleasant, Pre-K Auxiliary Teacher, A.C. Moore Primary School; Tara Longmire, Elementary Teacher, A.C. Moore Primary School; Jamar Williams, Custodian, A.C. Moore Primary School; Nathan Winkles, Math Teacher, Escambia County High School; Mariah Prince, Special Education Teacher, ECHS; Courtney Deason, English Teacher, ECHS; Erika Dailey, Instructional Paraprofessional, ECHS; Mykailn Terry, ELA Teacher, ECMS; Krista Reaves, Bookkeeper, Flomaton ES; Stephanie Hart, registrar, Flomaton ES; Stephanie Hart, Registrar, Flomaton ES; Meri Elise Kent, Instructional Paraprofessional, Flomaton ES; Retha Hoomes, Custodian, Flomaton ES; Betty Carden, Teacher, Flomaton ES; Charlotte Smith, Media Specialist, Flomaton ES; Heather Boddy, Math Teacher, Flomaton HS; Dawn Malone, Part-Time Interventionist, Huxford ES; Virginia Parker, Part-Time Interventionist, Pollard McCall Junior High School; Claudie Smith, Elementary Teacher, WS Neal ES; Harley Wilson, SPED Paraprofessional, WS Neal ES; Damien Jackson, Special Education Teacher, WS Neal ES; Patricia Cooper, Custodian, WS Neal ES; Christina Wright, Custodian, WS Neal MS; Nora Morris, Speech Language Pathologist, Office of Special Education & Student Services.
Employment Changes:
• Tori Trenthan from secondary math specialist to Accountability Supervisor for Escambia County Board of Education office; Cynthia Clack from Pre-K Auxiliary teacher aid to teacher at A.C. Moore Primary School; Wendy Stokes from office aide A.C. Moore to Registrar at Huxford Elementary; Melanie Kent from special education teacher at Flomaton ES to Special Education Programs Specialist at ECBOE; Sherri Glidden, from 6-hour lunchroom worker to 7-hour worker at W.S. Neal ES.
Transfers:
• Veronica Hacker, from 7-hour lunchroom worker at Rachel Patterson ES to Huxford ES; Faith Oglesbee from 7-hour lunchroom worker at Flomaton HS to AC Moore Primary.
Rehires:
• Odia Berry, custodian at ECHS; Toya McMillan, assistant principal at ECMS; Aundrea Beasley, instructional paraprofessional at Rachel Patterson ES; and Jennifer Lee, assistant principal at W.S. Neal ES.
Summer Employment:
• Rebecca White, Title 1 counselor at Huxford ES; Leketha Bradley Title 1 Counselor at Pollard McCall JHS; Michael Bowens, JAG grant teacher at WSNHS; Melanie Renfroe, CNP worker at Huxford ES.
Leave of Absence:
• Taylor Campbell, teacher at Rachel Patterson ES, medical leave.
Contract:
• Terries Lett, probationary principal at Rachel Patterson Elementary School effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.