Carson school to vote on teacher dress code

The Carson City School Board will vote tonight whether to set a new policy telling teachers and other employees what they should and shouldn't wear.

"I hope we pass it," said Trustee Norm Scoggin. "I think all the teachers are a role model for the students."

The new dress code being considered for Carson City School District employees would replace a longtime policy that administrators say is vague and difficult to enforce.

The district board meets at 7 p.m. in the Sierra Room of the Community Center, 851 E. William St.

Policy changes must have two readings before being adopted by the board.

"Ninety percent of the employees come to work in a professional manner," Scoggin said. "We always have one or two who are a little more casual. "

A stricter dress code probably wouldn't made a difference to the majority of school district employees, but a few dress inappropriately, said Mary Pierczynski.

She added that it was important to remember that the district's two employee groups and individuals have had a chance to comment on the policy.

She said the draft code was compiled by school district officials, along with representatives of Ormsby County Education Association and Nevada Classified School Employees Association.

Many of the rules would not apply to physical education teachers or if a teacher is conducting a messy project in class.

Regular wearing of blue jeans would be discouraged. But if jeans are worn, staff will be encouraged to dress them up with a blazer or a collared shirt, Pierczynski said.

Discretion would be given to each school's principal to designate a specific jeans day.

Facial jewelry, excluding earrings, would be barred.

A proposed rule requiring stockings to be worn with sandals could be waived in hot weather.

Scoggin said that the proposed code would give principals a little more leeway in dealing with situations on campus.

"Our educators seem to be taking a little more professional look today than even 15 years ago," Scoggin, a former school administrator, said.

What: Carson City School District

When: 7 p.m. today

Where: Sierra Room, Community Center, 851 E. William St.