Parents Get to Decide on School Uniforms

Students at some schools in Capistrano Unified district may be wearing uniforms soon under a policy approved by trustees.

The new district policy allows individual schools to implement dress codes if 75% of parents are in favor of the idea.

According to a law enacted by the state Legislature in August 1994, school districts can permit individual schools to impose mandatory dress codes if such a policy “would contribute positively to the health and safety of the campus environment.”

Carl H. Hankey, Ole Hanson and Foxborough elementary schools have already expressed interest in dress codes.

Hankey Principal Jeffrey Bristow said that his school would have discussions with parents through the summer and fall on the issue.

“Parents are very high on the concept,” he said, but they want to make sure that they are involved in the decision-making process.

If a school votes for a dress code, six months’ notice must be given before the policy takes effect.

In the past three years, pilot programs involving voluntary school uniforms have been in place at Harold Ambuehl, Wood Canyon, Philip J. Reilly, Palisades and Del Obispo elementary schools.

Palisades Principal Jayne Canfield said that on any given day about 25% of her school’s students wear uniforms.