Code of Conduct: Section 13 - Hair and Dress

The dress code at CASD has been the source of a lot of contentious discussions. We think this portion of the Code of Conduct deserves some meaningful scrutiny and would benefit from revisions. There are two main portions - first, the uniform dress code that applies to students PK-8, and second, the broader dress code that applies to all students, but specifically is used to govern dress of students at the high school campus.

Let's start with some philosophical discussions of student dress and a little history on CASD's adoption of its current dress codes.

Uniform Dress - Grade PK-8

Within the past decade, as the district was taking feedback from parents about their decision to move students to charter schools, one topic that came up was school uniforms. Some vocal parents indicated a desire to have uniforms in CASD as a way to reduce bullying and the appearance of socioeconomic disparity, as well as to hopefully reduce discipline and behavior problems. Community and parent feedback were considered and a uniform dress code was piloted at Friendship Elementary School, grades K-5. After what was viewed as a successful pilot, the code was copied at the other elementary schools, and as years went on, extended to the middle school as students aged with the mandate.

Some of the expected benefits of school uniforms are that they create a sense of school community, a culture focused on learning, and support equality. The complaints about school uniforms are that the students don't like wearing them, they restrict individuality, are expensive, are unflattering, and don't comply with current fashion. Additional complaints we have heard from parents is that they don't hold up as well, they require students to have two sets of clothing - one for school and one for outside of school, and they may not meet comfort needs.

Most importantly, the code has been inconsistently enforced. At the middle school level, school stores and clubs/sports teams sell spirit wear included hooded sweatshirts. Students wear these regularly and some are disciplined for wearing hoods while others are not. The code notes that jeans are permitted, but students have been disciplined for wearing jeans to school as part of their uniform dress code. Different schools have taken different approaches to girls wearing leggings or yoga pants, with some allowing them and some taking disciplinary action for them. Here are more details from the uniform dress code as well as parent feedback on the code:

§ 13 Hair and Dress. (pg21) 

1.  Each elementary and middle school have the following uniform dress code. Students are required to wear black or tan bottoms (ieans [SIC] within the colors is permitted) and polo tops (collared shirt) of red, white, or black or a combination thereof. Crew neck sweatshirts within the school colors is permitted. However, sweatshirts and jackets/coats warn [SIC] throughout the day should not have a hood attached. Gym clothes must be within the colors of the school uniform.

·         Jeans is spelled (ieans) above.  That should be fixed.

·         Color options for shirts; grey was added to our color scheme this year and grey is not in the color scheme stated.

·         There is nothing about ripped jeans yet I know students have gotten detention at Scott for ripped jeans.

·         "Sweatshirts and jackets/coats worn throughout the day should not have a hood attached." It seems to me that "should" could be interpreted differently. Either they CAN or CANNOT wears hoods.  Instead of saying it this way, how about you change the wording to say what you are actually trying to say.  As long as their hood isn't up during the day, it’s fine!   Then make a consequence for if the students do not comply. We also need to consider that much of our spirit wear is hoodies.

There are not consequences laid out in the code of conduct if a student does not comply.  Here is what CASD had before this administration.

·         Failure to comply with the dress code will result in the following progressive disciplinary action being taken:

First Offense: Student’s Parent Contacted

Second Offense: Detention with Mandatory Parent Conference

Third Offense: 2 Day Suspension

Fourth Offense: 5 Day Suspension & Administrative Review Team Hearing

Commentary from Lyryn Yacoe, an elementary school parent:
We should really consider eliminating the entire uniform policy. I can tell you as a mother of 4 boy’s Khakis are not conducive to an active little boy’s life.  During the 2018-2019 school year, I spent a TON of money on Khaki’s because of my boys who would draw, poke holes, slide on the grass and mud and just destroy their pants in a matter of days!

It would be amazing if the district would do a district-wide survey on what the community actually thinks about the “uniforms”.  I would really encourage the district to look at what parents spend when a rule like this is enforced.  With our demographics, this is NOT affordable for many in Coatesville.  I ask that you take a good look at the dress code and even considered removing school uniforms all together. I am happy to help create a survey for the district to administer.

Uniform Dress - Grades 9-12

CASD used to have a more specific dress code for those students not required to wear uniforms, but this code was simplified and made more gender-neutral during the revision to the Code of Conduct over the past few years. Although the code has changed to one that is more inclusive and allows both young men and women more freedom in how they dress, the code being enforced in the schools appears to be the one prior to the change, which focused in many areas on the way that young women were required to cover their bodies. The new code provides very few safety rules excluding gang or drug/alcohol references in clothing, restricts unsafe items that could be used as a weapon, and requires clothing that covers certain parts of the body - through the exclusion of crop tops, muscle shirts, and shirts with spaghetti straps.

Gender-neutral dress codes, like the one adopted in the current code, are considered inclusive and help reduce gender and racial discrimination, and removal of young women and students of color from the classroom for clothing that does not disrupt the educational process. However, there are still some areas for improvement in the code. Good policies do not discriminate against any student on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, or any other aspect of an individual’s identity. Therefore, rules prohibiting hijabs, natural Black hairstyles, or long hair for boys are inconsistent with the spirit and purpose of the dress code. Dress codes should allow students the most choice possible in a way that neither creates a hostile environment nor restricts their individuality and allow students to wear the same clothing regardless of their gender.

§ 13 Hair and Dress. (pg21) 

a.Students have the right to govern the length or style of their hair, including facial hair. Any limitation of this right must include evidence that length or style of hair causes disruption of the educational process or constitutes a health or safety hazard. When length or style of the hair presents a health or safety hazard, some type of covering shall be Used. 

b.Students may be required to wear  certain types of clothing while participating in physical education classes, shops, extracurricular activities or other situations when special attire may be required to insure the health or safety of the student 

c.Students  have  the  responsibility  to  keep  themselves,  their  clothes  and  their  hair clean. School officials may impose limitations on student participation in the regular instructional program when there is evidence that the lack of cleanliness constitutes a health hazard. 

d.Notwithstanding  anything  in  this  Code  to  the  contrary,  rules  prohibiting  certain dress do not apply to such dress as worn pursuant to religious belief, unless the dress presents a safety danger to a specific activity (such as loose clothing around mechanical equipment used by the student) or where the activity requires the wearing of specific clothing, such as a team sport.  

e.Specific Rules.

1. Special Events.In the cases of special ceremonies, concerts,dances, etc., the  Principal  has  the  right  to  establish  standards  of  dress  for special  school  related  events, including,  but  not  limited  to,  Graduation Ceremonies,Music  Concerts,  Induction  Ceremonies, Award Ceremonies, and other school related functions.
2. Certain Specific Items.Students may not wear muscle shirts, spiked collars, spiked bracelets, spiked belts, long metal chains, or other potentially dangerous articles. At School.Students may not wear clothing with the midriff is visible or clothing with only spaghetti straps. 
3. Head covering, Clothing, And Expensive Personal Items.The wearing of head coverings by students of either sex,including sweat bands while indoors is prohibited. This includes all interior areas of school building such as classrooms, corridors,auditoriums, offices, etc., during school related events, as well as during the school day.Exceptions will be granted for medical reasons or as part of a religious practice.
4. Buttons and Badges.In addition, buttons, badges, patches, shirts, jackets, hats  or  other  articles  displaying  messages referring  to  alcohol,  drugs,  sex,  gangs or a  cult  are prohibited.
5. Footwear.Students are prohibited from wearing flip-flops and sliders [SIC].
6. General Procedures.Generally, students violating the dress code will be sent to an administrator. Students will be sent home after parental contact or the parent must bring in  a  change  of  clothes.  Continued  violation  of  the  Student Dress  &  Grooming  Policy  will  be regarded as insubordination and the student may be suspended.
7. Expensive  Clothing  or  Articles.Students  are  discouraged  from  bringing expensive  personal  property  i.e.,  electronic  devices  to school  or  wearing  expensive  clothing  or jewelry. The School District shall not be responsible for the loss or theft of any such items.

Parent feedback from high school parent, Liz Muirhead:

Unfortunately, what's happened with enforcement has not been as progressive as the code itself. Students have repeatedly been excluded from class or given detentions based on the amount of holes in their jeans, the length of their shorts, or the width of straps on a top that does not have spaghetti straps - using an artificial 3" width requirement that is not in the code. The enforcement also appears to target girls and students of color more frequently, or that target girls with certain body types. Students have tested this by sharing an item that was determined to be inappropriate for school with a friend, and see if that student also received discipline. In most circumstances, they did not. It's time to stop pretending that normal student clothing disrupts the educational process. What is actually a disruption is when students are removed from class for wearing normal clothing that is compliant with the dress code. Read more about this issue here.

At the same time, we've heard repeatedly about the challenges of getting students to attend class regularly. Yet students who are there to learn and focused on their education are being removed from class and missing instructional time for supposed infractions that are not in the dress code. Students should be empowered to wear clothing that is comfortable for them and helps them learn. They should not be removed from the classroom for dress code violations, especially when such violations are not even in the code and being applied based on teacher or administrator discretion. 

Also, students expressed concern about areas of the code that are not clear or unfair. They note that the head covering restriction in #3 unfairly targets students of color or others with textured hair. This item also contradicts item #1 where certain hairstyles require a covering. Insomuch as head coverings are normal, culturally acceptable items, they should be permitted in school and not restricted as done so here. Also, students note that they have been disciplined for wearing Slides. The code refers to and restricts wearing "sliders." Students do not realize that the code is attempting to reference slides. If there truly is a concern that slides pose a safety issue, this should be explained and the shoe type should be referenced accurately.

A great model code I would love to see CASD use is here, but we need to not just adopt the code, but also need to enforce the code we adopt. Let's put together a clear and fair code, and ensure all teachers and administrators know what is restricted so students are not unfairly excluded from class: https://www.pps.net/Page/5888

Remember to come tonight! 

School Board Meeting Recap – July 9

Tuesday night the school board met to hold its monthly committee meetings and the special meeting to approve financial reports, personnel reports, and other items that cannot wait for the full board meeting at the end of the month.

Historically on school boards, the committee meetings are where items are discussed and debated in more detail. At times, they are tabled for more information. If they are approved and passed, they then go to a full board meeting for final approval. Over the past few years, the board committee meetings in CASD have not fully embraced this approach - there have been more structured presentations, little discussion, and everything gets approved.

This month, we saw a shift. While there were still many structured presentations, the board had a lot more dialogue and engagement both with the presenters and with one another. Items were tabled during committee meetings instead of being passed to the full board only to be tabled later. And in one case, an item was added to the agenda based on a presentation at the meeting. 

It was exciting to see this step forward in improved engagement and governance, and we look forward to seeing the board function in this way more often going forward.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Education Committee
Several routine items were approved by the education committee, as well as two agreements with outside service providers - one for Wilson Reading Services with EBS, and the other for Extended School Year services from Valley Forge Educational Services. After these items were approved, there were several informational presentations that we think do warrant some discussion and attention.

INFORMATIONAL ITEM(S)

Discipline Code Public Meeting – Jason Palaia 

Mr Palaia spoke to the process of the code of conduct stating that "as I mentioned at the last board meeting, discipline in the schools is complex and has a huge impact on students culture and climate." Mr. Palaia acknowledged the importance of giving the community, teachers, and staff an opportunity to continue with this discussion.  Therefore, on Monday July 15th in the CASD Cafeteria at 7pm there will be a public meeting to discuss the code of conduct.  This will be an opportunity to bring people together to have an open dialogue and feedback from all stakeholders.  He went on to say "It is my hope that teachers will come and provide us with suggestions to their concerns."  

So here is our plea - If you have a suggestions with the code of conduct PLEASE make some time on Monday night to come out and be part of this meeting.  Teachers - Come!  Parents - Come! Students - Come!

• 6th Grade Center Update – Jason Palaia 

Jason Palaia called on the new 6th great center principal, Dr. Jahnke, to give an update on his preparations and plans. Jahnke began with the new year preparations are in full swing with cleaning, painting and waxing floors.  He is working with his administrative team on student schedules. One plan is to keep students in teams on different floors. The same students will have most of their general courses on the same floor with the same group of teachers. This continuity should help reduce discipline issues and minimize hall traffic across the building.  They are also planning after school opportunities including intramural sports and activities to keep students engaged.   

• 7/8 Middle School Update – Jason Palaia 

Dr. Roberts, the new 7/8 principal, enthusiastically introduced the new 7/8 administrative staff.  She told the board that the painters and roofers have been working hard.  As a team they have been working on logistic because with so many students (783) under one roof they want to make sure they can move without the "hustle and bustle of bumping", but are creating three teams within the building and realigned the related arts so that they are in the front so there will be less moving.  They have also been planning a lot of after school activities. She further stated that she has communicated and reassured parents that “We have such high expectations.  I am really optimistic and hopeful that we will actually make AYP next year.  That we will do academically well.”  As a team they are going to set some “nonnegotiable and some expectations.” 

Something that stood out to us was when Rob Marshall asked “783 as of today, I recall some maximum numbers for that facility, we’re quite close if I’m not mistaken.  So when you add this total number of students with teachers and administrators, are you comfortable with the space?”  Which then Dr. Roberts replied “At this point, I don’t have a choice but to be comfortable with it.  Because of the fact that we have to make it work, we are working as a team to see how we can move these students.”  Marshall went on to say that if there was anything she needed or concerns she had to please let the board know.  

We are encouraged by Dr. Roberts' honesty. Her frankness is a different approach than other administrators have taken in the past. Reassurances of a façade have not helped our students or schools. By Roberts being honest, it allows for any needed support for assistance. Marshall opened those doors and was sincere in his interest to support these efforts.

Pubic Comment

Liz Muirhead: Asked for the Enrollment reports that are usually a part of the attachments for this committee. Also noted that she appreciated the discipline meeting on Monday, and plans to attend, but wants to share that no matter what the discipline code says, the consequences for students with IEPs cannot always follow the code and be legally compliant. This is something that parents and teachers giving input on the plan cannot resolve, so she reiterated the importance of the administrative team making sure that special education students have their needs met in the classroom, as a way of preventing discipline problems in this sub-group of students.

We believe that the reinstatement of supports (for all students) will greatly improve the overall climate. We know the value and need for resource rooms for special education students and having all students in appropriate classes with the rigor being at their level (not too high or low) is needed to help students avoid frustration and boredom. We will continue to advocate with others in the community to remedy this continued problem.

Operations Committee Agenda  

Fee waivers are receiving a lot of public scrutiny lately. The two items on the agenda for this meeting were fee waivers for building and field use. Both of these items were TABLED pending additional information and calculations. For the CKR practice, there was a desire to look at a potential give back exchange. Mr. Fisher explained that in the past, the fields would be reseeded at the end of the season.

For the Robotics club, several questions arose including how access to the building would happen, whether custodians or administrators would be present, and other related issues. These items may be added to the board agenda at the end of the month if those questions can be answered. 

A. Request to Waive Fees – Coatesville Kid Raiders Practice – Campus Auxiliary Fields - RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the request to waive fees in the amount of $4,240 for use of the Campus auxiliary fields to hold youth football and cheerleading practice from July 29th through November 17th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., as presented. (Enclosure)

B. Request to Waive Fees – Out-of-the-Box Robotics – C.A.S.H. - RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the request to waive fees in the amount of $40,018 for use of the classroom(s) for robotics mentoring from July 2019 through June 30, 2020, as per the attached calendar. (Enclosure)

INFORMATIONAL ITEM(S)

• Booster Concession Stand Presentation
Amy McFarland and Bill Ringsdorf presented jointly on the needs for the snack shack at the multi-purpose field and the timeline of over five years without completion. Their detailed information was well received. Mr. Fisher apologized that it had taken so long for progress to be made, but assured Amy that the booster clubs had their support and wanted the snack shack to move forward. Amy asked for a point person to be shared that she can work with going forward, and expects to be told that over the next week.

Brandon Rhone added a proposal to the agenda to conditionally approve moving forward with the snack shack enhancements, and authorizing the district to negotiate an agreement with the booster clubs to complete this work.

• Technology Presentation - the IT director Mike Sobczak
Sobczak's presentation discussed the logistical and financial plans he developed to be ready to adopt the 1:1 program starting the beginning of the year. In his presentation, it was clear that he has done good work negotiating costs down to provide savings to the district, but he also noted several ways that the grant will cost the district money to maintain and uphold the program. We are satisfied that Mike is doing a thorough job preparing the district to be operationally ready for the program launch. 

His presentation did not include any information on how the computers will be integrated into the educational process or curriculum for the upcoming school year or any plans for training for families, students, or teachers.

• Facilities Update - ABM
Two representatives from ABM talked to the school board about their progress in working through the schools over the summer months to address cleaning and maintenance needs. They noted challenges staffing all of their open positions and how that has led to significant delays. Board members were very engaged in this conversation and pushed back on ABM for what they have observed to be shoddy work and significant delays. Both Brandon Rhone and Rob Fisher sited examples of classrooms in buildings that were not acceptable. They both went into schools to inspect them. Of major concern was when it was revealed that NO custodial services had been provided to  East Fallowfield since June 8th.

They clarified that ABM is only paid for time that is actually worked and are not paid for staff included in their contract if they cannot provide staff. Dr. Taschner clarified that she receives daily email to inform her of the number of staff members showing up daily.

Mr. Fisher also questioned the process ABM will use for the summer cleaning and preparing. He used the example of how the gym floor was cared for in the past. He showed concern as the company last year did not prepare the floors thoroughly.

This revealed major inadequacies in the services provided by ABM. The school board member’s questions and site visits showed their concerns for the maintenance and cleanliness of the buildings.

Public Comment

Jill Santiago questioned how many of the students on the robotics team are not CASD students.  Note: The website for "Out of the Box" sites that there are 10 team members from 8 different schools.

Finance Committee Agenda

The finance agenda included several routine and non-controversial items from financial statements and bills payable to contracts that are consistent with those executed in prior years, and a few minor agreements with CATA, and the acquisition of a system to manage the new laptops. There was also the HR report, which not only included the normal items, but also included all of the transfers related to the reconfiguration of the middle schools.

I. U. S. Security Care, Inc. (USSC) – Security Services Contract - RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the Board of School Directors approve the contract with U.S. Security Care, Inc. to provide security services for a two-year term at a rate of $23.25 per hour/per Security Guard, as presented. (Enclosure)

U.S. Security Care, Inc. did a presentation of their services, which shared all of the various venues where they provide services, superficial information of their training, and an overview of their uniforms. Much of the time was spent on explaining their process for oversight of their site teams and the handling of ensuring staffing needs. It was shared that they are trained in de-escalation techniques.

Our opinion of this is that this company did not seem to be any better trained to work with youth than the previous ones. The former company had a high rate of turnover due to the restrictions placed on them by administration, not because they weren't able to do a job. They dressed professionally. Initially, they did due diligence. Unfortunately, as reported to us by specific employees, they were told to not engage with certain students and their write ups of students went unaddressed time after time. Further, it was reported to us that at times, security could not get administration to respond to their needs in a timely fashion.

We believe that teachers need to be retrained in de-escalation techniques. The security officers will not be on the scene where potential fights will begin. These happen in the classroom or in the hallways in front of teachers. Security is usually called after any altercations begin.

INFORMATIONAL ITEM(S) 

• District Tax Appeal – Chuck Linderman

Mr. Linderman discussed the plan to move forward with district-initiated reassessments of about 15 large commercial properties in order to increase property tax revenue.

Policy Committee Agenda

No new policies were presented, but the previously presented policy 627 on real estate assessment appeals was proposed for adoption by the full board.

Special Meeting

As is typical after board committee meetings, a Special Meeting of the full board was scheduled. This meeting is routine and advertised at the beginning of the year, and is typically held to approve financial reports, bills payable, and HR reports, along with any urgent items than cannot wait until the full board meeting at the end of the month.

The tabled items were removed from the agenda, and the snack shack was added to the agenda. All items on the agenda were approved, most of them through the consent agenda. No contentious votes took place.