Revised dress code for Obion County Schools less restrictive

Following extensive discussion by members of the Obion County Board of Education during their recent board retreat, Director of Schools Dr. Leah Watkins presented a draft of a revised version of the school system's student dress code to board members during regular board session Monday evening.

Meeting at South Fulton Elementary School's Cafeteria, Dr. Watkins provided board members Fritz Fussell, Brian Rainey, Jared Poore, Keisha Hooper, Tim Britt, Barry Adams and Kyle Baggett with the draft, to become effective immediately.

A complete copy of the approved revised student dress code was to be available on the school system's website Tuesday at www.obioncountyschools.com.

According to board member Keisha Hooper, the new dress code went from "about five pages to one page" in reference to restrictions with board member Tim Britt describing the revisions as a method to make the dress code more "simple."

Dr. Watkins requested the new code take effect immediately, she said in order to allow parents enough time to consider clothing purchases with the change of seasons.

Among changes will be the elimination of the requirement that students may only wear collared shirts, in solid colors with no design or pattern. Also stricken was the requirement shirts must be a contrasting color to the pants, socks must be a single, solid color and shoe laces must be a single color, the same color with only one pair of laces per shoe and shoes must be the same color. Students will no longer be restricted from wearing vests, light jackets, school jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts and cardigans with hoods.

Board chair Fritz Fussell noted the current dress code had been in effect for several years and the board believed it was time to consider an "overhaul", with input from the public, students, parents and school staff.

For the complete story about the April 8 Obion County School Board meeting, see this week's edition of The Current, online story, April 9, by mail to subscribers and in the news stands April 10.