FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Voluntary School Uniform Plan OKd

The Fountain Valley School District Board of Trustees last week gave their formal support to schools interested in starting a voluntary uniform program.

Trustees unanimously adopted a policy that gives schools guidelines if uniforms are to be an option for student dress.

“They have our blessing if they want to do it--now they can do it without any opposition from the board,” said trustee Larry R. Crandall.

Final adoption of the policy is expected at the March 24 meeting.

Under the policy, to establish an optional uniform system, a school must circulate a survey soliciting the views of parents and also provide options for the types of uniforms permitted. A uniform option would be allowed only if a majority of parents favor it. A committee at each school would determine the type of uniforms children would wear.

Board President Robert Sedlak said he supports uniforms because “it creates a positive identity for kids and their school and it improves kids’ attitudes in school.”

Students at Roch Courreges Elementary School may be the first to start wearing uniforms.

Patty Berger, co-president of the PTA at Courreges, said a uniform program is planned for the school this fall. In a survey last month, 197 of the 273 parents who responded supported wearing uniforms, said Susan Henry, PTA co-president.

Uniforms promote school spirit, improve learning and make it more economical for parents when it comes to buying school clothes, Henry said, adding that the parent group is now “gathering information” about the types of school uniform clothing available and their costs.