A board of education proposal to implement a school uniform policy in North Arlington schools was met with resistance from several parents and teachers at the Feb. 25 meeting. In a letter sent to parents with children in the elementary schools dated Feb. 8, Superintendent Oliver Stringham asked them if they would support the idea.

If 70 percent or more of the parents send the survey back stating they support a school uniform policy, the policy will be implemented, according to the letter.

The letter stated positive effects of a school uniforms policy. "Studies have shown that standardized dress promotes a strong sense of self pride and pride in the school," Stringham wrote in the letter.

According to the letter, a uniform policy would teach students the difference between work and play attire at an early age. A school uniform policy eliminates "clothing competition," thus reducing teasing, bullying and low self-esteem. Lastly, the letter said a uniform policy would significantly reduce the cost of a school wardrobe and enhance safety in the schools.

Parents who spoke out against a uniform policy at the meeting refuted some of the letter’s claims. Fifth Street resident Valerie Haig wanted to know how a uniform policy would enhance security. If all students wear the same top, school staff would be able to quickly tell if a youngster belonged in the school, North Arlington High School Principal Robert Kinloch responded.

Eighth Street resident Josephine Trigo disagreed with this, believing it would create a "false sense of security" and would do nothing to prevent children who do not belong from attending school. Board president George McDermott suggested that a uniform policy could dampen gang activity in the schools. Greco Terrace resident Mike Tetto asked what would stop children from wearing a sneaker or a bracelet to associate with a gang.

Residents were curious about the cost of implementing a school uniform policy. While the board had no specifics, Stringham’s letter said the Board of Education would provide the first shirt for each student. In addition, the board would provide "confidential financial assistance" to "proven economically disadvantaged families."

New Jersey law provides that "Any policy adopted which requires wearing of a uniform shall include a provision to assist economically disadvantaged students."

Board attorney Dennis McKeever explained to parents and residents that a provision to implement school uniforms would not be imposed unilaterally from above, but needed the agreement of school administrators, parents of school children and the Board of Education.

McDermott conferred with school administrators in the area and noted that Secaucus, Harrison and Kearny have uniform policies. Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Becton, Rutherford and Lyndhurst school districts do not have uniform policies.

Several parents expressed doubt about support from taxpayers for a uniform policy. Ultimately, taxpayers would pay for school uniforms, but only parents have a say in whether or not the policy is implemented. Eighth Street resident Vincent Kelly invited the board to bring the question of whether or not to enact a uniform policy to a referendum.

Last year, voters turned down the school board’s proposed budget and voted down both additional public questions. The tough love from taxpayers given to the school board came at the same time as a large increase in municipal taxes.

Stringham said each individual elementary school would vote on whether or not to have a uniform policy, but it would likely be a situation where each elementary school has a uniform policy or none of them do. If parents support the proposition, the uniform itself would be determined in the summer and would become effective in late September or early October of the coming school year.

Uniform exceptions would include "documented health or religious requirements" and principal-designated "no uniform" days. The surveys have been collected, but the results have not been counted. Each school’s parent-teacher organization will notify parents of the survey results