WESTWOOD REGIONAL—A revised dress and grooming policy for teaching and support staff was introduced July 19 with some trustees voicing concerns about looking professional in light of a recent “loosening” dress code among a small number of teachers and support staff, said officials.
Trustees debated what was appropriate and inappropriate attire for male and female teachers, though it appeared the majority of restrictions applied to female teachers and support staff.
The revisions were suggested for policies 3216 and 4216, for dress and grooming of professional teaching and support staff. Suggested changes were similar for both policies.
Both policies come up for a final board vote at the Aug. 25 board meeting.
The teachers’ dress code policy was last updated in January 2012. The most recent student dress code update was May 2022, according to school policies and regulations online.
“The attitude of teaching staff members about their professional responsibilities and the importance of education in the lives of their students are reflected in their dress and appearance,” notes Policy 3216. The dress policy notes it is needed “in order to create an atmosphere of respect … and an environment conducive to discipline and learning.”
Appropriate attire for teaching members, states the policy, includes dresses, skirts, blouses, suits, sweaters, pants and dress shirts, with or without a tie.
However, inappropriate attire “within the regular school day” includes “but is not limited to” six specific categories, labeled A through G in the policy.
“Inappropriate attire” includes:
- Jeans, unless approved by principal or designee for a special activity or event;
- T-shirts, with graphics or wording;
- Strapless shirts and dresses;
- Sweatshirts, shorts, sweatpants, workout attire unless approved by the principal or designee;
- Beachwear;
- Hats, and/or head coverings, unless approved by principal or designee for medical or religious reasons; and
- Leggings without a tunic-length top.
The leggings category was written into the policy in longhand.However, initially following the word leggings but then crossed out was “excessively tight pants.”
Superintendent Jill Mortimer told Pascack Press that the suggested dress policy changes were recommended by Strauss-Esmay Associates LLP, a school policy consultant, which provides policy updates to the school district several times yearly. Mortimer said the policy update was included in a recent policy alert along with 10 other policies — which did not provoke any discussion.
Asked if the policy changes were related to district staff wearing inappropriate T-shirts or leggings more often, she said, “No, not really. Our staff members dress appropriately. We feel T-shirts with graphics are too casual for a school setting. They are more appropriate for weekend wear,” she said,
“As for leggings, the Policy Committee members were not in favor of them, but they will not be banned as part of the new policy. I consulted with the principals, and the general consensus was they are fine, especially for elementary teachers who frequently sit on the rug with children. However, the revised policy stipulates leggings must be worn with a tunic-length top,” she said.
Violations of the grooming/dress code may be identified by the teacher’s supervisor or building principal, and discussed with the teacher, notes the policy. If “a single violation so warrants or violations recur” the offender may receive a reprimand or other appropriate disciplinary measures, the policy states.
Some trustees questioned whether sweatshirts or even shorts might not be a dress code violation considering the circumstances. Trustee Andrea Peck noted that shorts on teachers may be reasonable in schools with deficient air conditioning, noting that shorts of “decent length” should probably be permitted.
Trustee Stacey Price said that there was never any appropriate time for leggings on staff members.
Peck, an elementary school teacher, also noted that if skirts are allowed, then shorts should also be allowed, as they may be more comfortable for a variety of school activities standing up as well as sitting on the classroom floor.
Trustee Roberta Hanlon said that the district dress code had “gotten a little too loose” over the years, and she said that that does not mean “a suit and a tie for men or dresses for women.”
She said it was important to put the “right image” in front of students, though she said the policy might include a “temperature trigger” where cooler clothing might be permitted among teaching and support staff.
Mortimer asked trustees to email her their suggested changes prior to the Aug. 25 meeting. She said she would also consult with administrators on updating the dress code.