School board approves dress code changes, tentative 2014 budget

mbrown@sunmulti.com

As good a job the Houston County school system does of keeping up with current educational technologies, the time arrived to also keep up with current fashions, trends and styles.

For the first time in 10 years, the Board of Education approved changes to the student dress code at Tuesday’s meeting. Cindy Flesher, assistant superintendent for school operations, brought the changes before the board with emphasis on such points as facial hair and excessively long shirts.

According to the policy, school principals are in charge of enforcing the dress code and have the discretion to determine what is proper and improper dress.

When the board met for its work session Monday, member Fred Wilson did raise the question of who determines what is “excessive.” Board member Dave McMahan said such matters are always subjective, but the worse thing is to have a policy that’s not enforced. He said the principals have “enough on their plate” already in running their schools.

Board member Jim Maddox also pointed out that his son, who attends high school locally, even asked how they define what is excessively long.

Superintendent Robin Hines said they needed to trust the principals to do their jobs and that he does not see anything reaching “epidemic” proportions. Board chair Marianne Melnick added that, “Reason will prevail.”

Among the significant changes to the dress code, it says “Holes in clothing that are excessive in size or amount, are a distraction to the learning environment, or allow skin to show are prohibited.” Previously, the rule said clothing which is cut, slashed or has holes was prohibited.

As for excessively long shirts, the policy now says those must be tucked in. It also now says that shorts must be knee-length or longer and have a hem.

Leggings, which are a skin-tight garment, are not prohibited, but there must be a dress or skirt over the leggings that is knee-length or longer.

For facial hair, beards are no longer banned but should be trimmed and not a distraction.

The motion to approve the code passed 6-0. Board member Rick Unruh was not in attendance.

In other business, the board gave unanimous approval to the proposed FY 2014 budget. This budget has appeared in the Houston Home Journal, and citizens have two weeks to make comments to the superintendent’s office or to their board representative. There is a called meeting on June 27 for final approval.

Hines, at Tuesday’s meeting, said Houston County remains a great place to live and this school system remains one of the state’s best. He said they are able to pay their teachers for a full year without any furloughs. The most important thing they do, Hines said, is support that teacher relationship with that child in the classroom.

“The system is in great hands,” said Maddox, referring to the work of Stephen Thublin, assistant superintendent for finance and business operations. He said this is a good example when compared to how other local governing agencies handle these matters.

The board unanimously approved two contract amendments for construction projects. The biggest one involves the building of the new elementary school on Langston Road in Perry for just under $13 million by Parrish Construction Group. Langston Road Elementary is expected to open in August of 2014.

The second contract with Parrish Construction is for a capital improvement project at Centerville Elementary School. The purpose of this project is to increase parking space and improve traffic flow, and it comes in at just under $320,000.

The board approved the appointments of six new assistant principals at various schools and one new athletic director, Dennis Morris at Northside Middle School. At Houston County High School, Melanie Peavy is now assistant principal and Allison Keenom is assistant principal for instruction. Tonya Holcomb was named assistant principal at the Houston County Career Academy, and Catherine Garner is assistant principal at Northside Middle.

Tom Walmer, former chairman of the Houston school board, made his first appearance before the people he once led in his new position of director of transportation. At Monday’s work session, he presented the board with a list of school buses he recommended be declared as surplus based on age and condition. His department is bringing in 15 new buses, and these four buses – from 1989 to 1992 – are to be sold or surplused based on current practices.

The board approved the motion Tuesday 6-0.

Walmer, who resigned as board chairman in February, was appointed director of transportation in April.

Tuesday’s meeting only lasted half an hour. At the beginning, various board members spoke of their experiences at the May graduation ceremonies. With all the controversy surrounding reaction to the 2012 graduation and the use of Christian prayer and songs, the talk Tuesday was how well the students who spoke this year expressed their faith on their own.

Board member Helen Hughes said what she heard was “sincere,” “genuine” and “totally voluntary.” She said these types of core values are important in the education system.

“We can be proud of the conviction they shared themselves,” said Wilson.

“Trust the kids. They did a great job,” said Melnick.

Hines even said it was the best operated graduation he’s seen.

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