3150 - School Uniform Policy

Policy 3150

STUDENTS

School Uniforms

Preserving an environment that is conducive to learning and assures the safety and well being of all students and staff is a primary concern of the Board of Directors.  Individual schools within the district, with approval of the superintendent or designee, are authorized to adopt and implement a dress code that requires students who attend the school to wear a uniform, as long as such a requirement does not create an unfair barrier to attendance.  Clothing worn in observance of a student’s religion is not subject to this policy.

Prior to adopting a uniform requirement for students, the superintendent or designee must determine whether the district would be able to accommodate students who cannot afford uniforms or who, with parent permission, elect not to participate, so that the uniform requirement is not an unfair barrier to school attendance and student participation. If the district is unable to make such accommodations, mandatory uniforms may not be adopted by a school. 

A dress code allowing for optional student uniforms may be adopted by a school consistent with this policy and procedure, with approval of the superintendent or designee.

A school shall obtain student, staff and parental input prior to implementing a student uniform requirement.  A decision that students must wear uniforms shall be made and communicated to students and parents no later than the last day of May in the school year prior to the implementation of the uniform requirement.  Fifth-, eighth-, and twelfth-grade students are grandfathered and may be exempted from wearing uniforms for the first year of implementation at a particular building site.

Legal References:    
RCW    28A.320.140        Schools with special standards – Dress Codes

Adoption Date:      February 13, 2007