School District Panel Recommends Making Uniforms Mandatory

Standard blue-and-white outfits may soon be de rigueur for students across Santa Ana Unified School District.

The school board will begin discussion tonight of a district staff report recommending uniforms for pupils in kindergarten through eighth grade, beginning in July 1997.

The committee researching the issue will do further study on whether to recommend uniforms for high school students as well, policy coordinator Helen Stainer said.

Since Long Beach Unified School District became the first in the nation to institute a mandatory uniform policy two years ago, Santa Ana has received hundreds of calls and petition signatures from elementary school parents asking for such a policy, officials said.

Also, a series of community meetings over the past few months indicates “overwhelming support” for school uniforms, according to the district report. Having a dress code has been credited with reducing campus violence in some areas.

One concern raised by parents was cost, Stainer said. But some charities provide uniforms free of charge, she said, and stores ranging from discount retailer Target to upscale Nordstrom now sell such uniforms.

The Santa Ana uniform probably would consist of a white top with blue pants or skirt.

After hearing staff recommendations, the school board will seek public comment.

A vote, however, is not expected until the following meeting, Oct. 8.

Tonight’s meeting is at 7 p.m. at 1601 E. Chestnut Ave.

Information: (714) 558-5512.