FULLERTON : Student Uniform Proposal Weighed

Six principals in the Fullerton School District will meet later this week to consider a proposal to have elementary students voluntarily wear uniforms as a way of combatting gang activity.

“Some parents might look upon it as an advantage,” said Sue Faassen, principal of Sunset Lane Elementary School, who will meet with district officials Friday to talk about the idea.

Faassen said uniforms would be cheaper than regular clothes and could not be mistaken for gang attire.

“The key to this is school safety,” said Konnie Gault, community liaison for the district. She will meet with Faassen and the principals of Commonwealth, Raymond, Richman, Rolling Hills and Valencia Park elementary schools.

Faassen said she will seek comment in May from parents about a uniform policy. She will also talk with the school’s PTA board before encouraging uniforms, she said.

In related action, the Board of Trustees tonight will consider a revision to the dress code that would ban certain clothes and accessories that have gang connotations. Faassen said baggy pants and shirts could be considered gang attire.

The proposed amendment to the dress code also states that schools may request a voluntary uniform dress policy if they want.

Uniforms could benefit students, said Carolee Michael, principal of Raymond Elementary School. “It makes dress not be the issue, and they can put more time into school work and being fine people,” she said.

Uniforms would be “something basic, and not too trendy looking,” said Faassen. She mentioned navy pants and skirts with a solid-color shirt. The uniforms would not be mandatory, but would be encouraged by the schools.

Faassen and other principals said uniforms would only catch on with parent and teacher support.

The La Habra School District began a voluntary uniform policy last September, which became popular at some schools, according to Rosemary Herendeen, the district’s director of staff development and curriculum.

Many students in La Habra wear the uniform of navy pants and white shirt, Herendeen said. Younger students more frequently wear the uniform, she said.

“It basically comes down to how the parents feel about it,” she said.

The outfits cost between $10 and $20 because the district has found discount suppliers, she said.

Faassen said she wore a uniform for three years when she attended school in Great Britain. “I remember dreading it, but it makes (deciding what to wear) a lot easier,” she said.