Uniform policy still the same
Patrick Ervin
patrickervin@ddtonline.com
Parents have taken to social media in the past few days expressing their displeasure with the Greenville Public School District’s uniform policy. The essence of these complaints are that there was no clear communication about uniform colors. As parents assumed that last year’s policies still apply (and according to district officials no policy updates have been made regarding uniforms in 25 years), many purchased uniforms and are standing firm on sending their children to school on day one with what has already been purchased whether it adheres to this school year’s policy or not. During the Tuesday July 25 school board meeting board, president Oliver Johnson put the onus for clear communication of current dress code standards for students squarely on the Office of Parental Engagement
“We need to do something about communication of the uniform policy, so when the school year starts, board members won’t be bombarded with questions,” Johnson said. “We’ve gotten a plethora of phone calls about uniforms. We shouldn’t be getting phone calls on our personal lines about things that should be advertised from our Parental Engagement Department. What plans do you have and can you give us an overview of what you have in store (to communicate with parents about uniforms for the upcoming school year)? “
Parent Engagement Coordinator Laneysa McCoy, whose position does not include working during the summer months, explained to Johnson that she had recently returned to work for the upcoming school year. She also highlighted that she and the new superintendent Dr. Janice Monroe have not had the opportunity to clearly define these type responsibilities. “I will try to answer your question as best as I can. “This has nothing to do with me?”
Johnson retorted, “That position involves you working in the community,”
Uniforms might be small to some but big to others because everybody can’t afford certain things.” Vice President Jan Vaughn stated, "During the summer months, parents must have this information before they go shopping.” The district’s uniform policy was adopted in 1995 and amended in 1998 without any additional iterations according to district leadership. Responding to clarifying questions via email, Superintendent Dr. Janice Monroe shed light on the matter. “The policy should be communicated through numerous means -parent coordinator, principals and public relations specialist. We utilize various modes to share all information-social media, print media, newsletters, etc. The district works diligently to ensure parents and all constituents are abreast of what is taking place in Greenville Public Schools. We encourage our parents and constituents to attend our school board meetings as well as follow on the various Social/Multimedia platforms,” Monroe explained.
How will the district address parents who insist that their children wear recent purchases that are not compliant with policy? “Parents that have purchased the wrong uniform can work with the vendor to exchange them for the appropriate uniform prior to the opening of school,” Monroe explained. The district is prepared to accommodate parents and students to the greatest extent possible as all work to recertify the situation. I do apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause, however, I don't understand how the confusion developed because there has been a change to Greenville Public Schools Uniform Policy.”
OTHER MATTERS
The board tasked Business Manager Waukesah Townsend with making sixteenth section land documentation match the school district’s holdings of said land.
Board Treasurer Drew Newsome also requested that Townsend look at ways to “make up” a $750,000 budget shortfall by looking to cut expenses in areas such as software purchases, travel and contract renewals.
