Elkhorn schools adopt dress code
With the exception of flip-flops, the dress code for employees of the Elkhorn Area School District was approved with little concern or controversy.
"We consulted with the teacher association ahead of time," Superintendent Gregory Wescott said. "There were initial questions, but no complaints."
One of the questions was whether flip-flops would violate the code.
"As I toured our five buildings, I notice the use of flip-flops during warm weather," Wescott said. "That was one issue we could not negotiate. The insurance company is really down on flip-flops for safety reasons, so we had to go with a no on that one."
For the most part, the one-page dress code is a document driven by common sense, Wescott said.
"It was handled in the same way the district approaches all issues," he said. "We talk it over and apply a common sense approach."
The district board members Monday unanimously adopted the dress code.
The Elkhorn employee dress code is based on three points: business casual, approved district spirit or logo wear and no flip-flops or thong-style beach shoes.
Employees are expected to dress in a manner consistent with the responsibilities of their profession that communicates to students a pride in personal appearance. Hairstyle and dress should not disrupt the educational process or cause a health or safety problem, according to the policy.
"In short," Wescott said, "good professional judgment is expected. That's just a common sense approach we all agree with."
The employee dress code is enforced by building principals, Wescott said.
The dress code issue is not proceeding as smoothly in Janesville.
A draft proposal has been debated in Janesville since mid-September. The four-page proposal is more specific that Elkhorn's code. For example, while Elkhorn calls for "business casual," Janesville's proposal lists specific dress such as collared shirts, khakis and women's skirts "of modest length."
Janesville's proposal bans flip-flops and beach shoes but goes on to provide a detailed description of acceptable shoes.
"Employees should wear shoes that provide support and protection. Athletic type shoes may be worn but must be in good condition without tears or stains. Dress sandals may also be worn," the proposed Janesville policy reads.
Janesville Superintendent Karen Schulte recently defended the proposal's specificity at a committee meeting. Janesville's current dress code simply requires "appropriate" attire.
"I think we owe it to our leaders to give them something substantial so they know what to enforce," Schulte said.
On a recent visit to 10 schools, she said, she noticed flip-flops, sweatpants and other attire she found inappropriate for professionals.
No consensus emerged from the recent committee meeting in Janesville, and no date has been set for future discussion of the issue.
Nov 30, 2012 at 5:19 p.m.
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abass80 Really you are not being fair. I work at that school. There are many people who work there and grouping everyone is uncalled for. If you have an issue you need to talk to the correct people. Not smear the name and people of a good school.
Nov 30, 2012 at 1:16 p.m.
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Are people really saying they can't take someone seriously because they have on jeans or sneakers? Why not make it a black tie dress code?
Nov 29, 2012 at 12:31 p.m.
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The teachers have to be told how to dress, just like my 14 year old. This, from a union that calls themselves professionals. Please.
Nov 29, 2012 at 8:25 a.m.
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abass - and the plunging necklines as well.
Nov 29, 2012 at 5:48 a.m.
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GOOD! When in my daughters school in Milton I am disgusted nearly every time. Tight jeans, blingy sandals, flip flops, short skirts, wedge sandals, clothing advertising brands, etc. And that is at WEST. I can only imagine what the high school teachers are wearing. In my day (and I am only 32) you knew a teacher or aide or staff. You could identify them as they were dressed business or business casual. The way one dresses does matter and in teaching and other positions in education within the school those folks should be dressing like adults and not like the students. It isn't a fashion show. They are there to do their job. I agree with no jeans daily as well. Maybe on spirit days or other special days but not daily. That goes for paraprofessionals as well. Khaki pants and logo spirit wear would be just as comfortable. Para's should be allowed tennis shoes. Otherwise: no unless it is a medical issue. Maybe I sound old or harsh but I get sick and tired of seeing teachers running around with skirts up to their butt cracks, huge stacked sandals, and tshirts advertising their favorite motorcycle or mall brand or whatever. I certainly do not respect that mode of dress in the classroom for a teacher or para or staff. Kids should be able to see a teacher and know it is a teacher and not be distracted by their clothing. That is what the dress codes say for the kids so staff should have to abide by a dress code as well. My kids have attended Janesville as well and yes...they also need a dress code. Badly. Ladies & Gents: save your bling and fashions and h*****r boots and s******r wedges at home. DRESS LIKE A TEACHER. LIKE A PROFESSIONAL. LIKE YOU WANT, COMMAND, AND DEMAND RESPECT.
Nov 28, 2012 at 10:44 p.m.
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I think the Janesville school board should adopt the dress policy of the Elkhorn Area School District.
And...expand it from there if necessary...which...based on the comments of employees...will probably be.
Nov 28, 2012 at 8:53 p.m.
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It really is all about mutual respect.
Nov 28, 2012 at 8:44 p.m.
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"I think we owe it to our leaders to give them something substantial so they know what to enforce," Schulte said.
. . . . .
Translation: our young administrators are not confident enough as leaders to handle problems without minutia in writing.
. . . . .
The most obvious difference is that administrative staff downtown wrote this without input from the various employee groups. Then are surprised at the reaction when told employees feel insulted by the detail. If sweatpants and flip-flops do not meet expectations, tell the people who are dressing so casually.
Nov 28, 2012 at 5:36 p.m.
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Working with employees, common sense...interesting and cutting edge ideas in Elkhorn. How progressive!
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