Teacher dress code rejected

Friday, Aug. 15, 2003 | 9:54 a.m.

A controversial plan to require a stricter dress code for teachers at schools where uniforms are mandatory for students failed to win support Thursday from the Clark County School Board.

Board President Sheila Moulton and member Mary Beth Scow supported the proposal, with members Denise Brodsky, Shirley Barber and Larry Mason opposing. Board member Susan Brager-Wellman abstained and member Ruth Johnson was absent.

The School Board last month approved a notice of intent to change the district's dress code regulation for teachers at schools with mandatory uniform policies. A second affirmative board vote was needed Thursday to put the change into effect.

When classes begin Aug. 25 five Henderson elementary schools will require students dress in uniforms, choosing from a selection of approved colors and clothing styles. The employee dress code proposal would have required school staff to dress in similarly, unless otherwise approved by the principal.

Mary Ella Holloway, president of the Clark County Education Association, said members of the teachers union opposed the change because the language was too vague. It was also unreasonable to expect teachers to purchase two sets of clothing for work attire, Holloway said.