Although adopting uniforms for the Stamford school district seems unlikely to become a Board of Education mandate, the body is open to establishing a set of guidelines for schools wishing to implement uniform dress.
"The only way it's successful is when schools decide on their own to do it," said Superintendent of Schools Joshua Starr, who said he likes and supports the idea of school uniforms. However, "It does not work when it's mandated by a school board" or any other external agency, he said.
Starr suggested that as the board continues to examine the issue in future meetings, it consider the option of establishing guidelines for individual schools that may wish to adopt a uniform dress policy. That option could be "a statement that gives guidance but doesn't say yes, you must, or no, you shouldn't," he said.
The idea of school uniforms for the district was discussed during Tuesday's Board of Education meeting. It was added to the agenda after Jack Bryant, president of the local NAACP branch, suggested the possiblity last month.
"This is just a discussion item this evening. It's a chance for board members to talk to each other," said board President Jacki Heftman, adding, "It's really an opportunity for us to talk about the issue."
Opinions varied across the board. Heftman said she has not seen any research supporting the idea that increased academic achievement results from wearing school uniforms. Board member Lorraine Olson was concerned about the cost.
"I think they're a good thing," said Olson, "but I also feel we have to come back to the almighty dollar." She said the cost of uniforms "is really a big concern."
Board member Carmine Limone said the board should "move forward" on the idea.
"I am 100 percent sure that uniforms can have a positive effect on the school," he said. "I think what we have to do is to get people to buy into the concept. But I think it's worth the effort."
Several parents and others attending the meeting were already sold on the idea.
However, this evening's meeting was a working meeting for the board. Though board members discussed the issue, there was no public participation.
The supporters, including Bryant, plan to return to speak at a future school board meeting as the discussion progresses.
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