Schools Allowed Own Policies on Uniforms

Students may soon lose that morning worry about what to wear because their schools might make the decision for them.

In a unanimous vote this week, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District trustees adopted a policy that allows campuses to make uniforms either voluntary or mandatory.

District officials said parents have been asking the board to take such measures. Parents have said that uniforms are more cost-effective and that they lessen time spent getting ready for school.

Schools opting for mandatory uniforms must receive a two-thirds approval vote from parents. If the policy is passed, parents wishing to exclude their children from wearing uniforms may sign a waiver.

Uniforms are not new to the district. For three years, Topaz Elementary School has had a voluntary policy, but only a minority of students wear the uniforms, officials said.

Bernardo Yorba Middle School could be the first to implement a mandatory uniform policy by the next school year.