July 30, 2004 - When classes resume on Tuesday, August 17, new dress code provisions will be in effect for both Austin students and Austin School District employees.

The Superintendent’s Cabinet this week again reviewed the provisions, and based upon the feedback from parents, students and employees, finalized the standards.  
 
“Students and school employees are now being held to higher levels of accountability, whether it’s in the quality of their classroom instruction, the service they provide to our constituents, or their academic achievement. These dress codes are another way in which we—a community of learners—hold ourselves up to a higher degree of accountability,” Dr. Forgione said.  
 
The issue of Dress Codes for both students and employees first arose with the Community Safety Task Force. In early March, Dr. Forgione advised all Campus Principals that he intended to proceed with both issues, and solicited input from parents, students and staff.  
 
The Superintendent announced the final dress code provisions today at convocation of District principals and administrators.  
 
The Student Dress Code forbids clothing that advertises, condones, depicts, or promotes the use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Also prohibited is clothing with vulgar or obscene language, or with images or writing that promote disruption.  
 
Specific items of clothing that may not be worn at school include halter tops and tank tops; low cut necklines; see-through clothing; shorts that distract; skirts that distract; visible undergarments; baggy pants; and hats or caps (except religious headwear).  
 
While thong-type flip-flops are not desired—and in fact are discouraged because of safety reasons—Cabinet says students will not be prohibited from wearing the popular footwear.  
 
“Both students and parents share the responsibility for choosing the appropriate classroom attire,” Superintendent Forgione said. “Students must use good judgment, to respect themselves and others, and to demonstrate modesty in selecting attire.”  
 
(The regulation on Student Dress Code is Attachment #1 below.)  
 
The final provisions for the new Employee Dress Code closely track those of students, with two noted additions: flip-flops are prohibited, and jeans may only be worn on days designated by the principal or supervisor, designated spirit days, and teacher in-service days.  
 
The regulation says, “The dress and grooming of District employees shall be clean and neat, in a manner appropriate for their assignments.” For example, exceptions to the Employee Dress Code exist for physical education staff; instructors in shop courses; auxiliary employees in maintenance, custodial, transportation, and food service; and positions requiring uniforms.  
 
“We are a community of learners. We believe this new regulation will allow Austin School District employees to serve as positive role models for our students, by exemplifying a respect for learning; the appropriate standards of professional appearance; and conveying community values about proper grooming and hygiene,” Dr. Forgione said.  
 
(The regulation on Employee Dress Code is Attachment #2 below.)  
 
Attachment #1a: (Student Dress Code)  
 
Attachment #1b: (Secondary Student Dress Code Flyer)  
 
Attachment #1c: (Elementary Student Dress Code Flyer)  
 
Attachment #2: (Employee Dress Code)