Yuma High considers requiring school uniforms

After canvassing views in the school district public opinion appears to be in favor of school uniforms, Yuma High School Principal Jeff Magin said.

A public meeting will be held Thursday at 6 p.m., in the Yuma High School Library to discuss the possibility of requiring all Yuma High School students to wear a uniform, he said.

"We'll listen to the pros and cons and take it under advisement," Magin said. "We may have a committee of parents, staff, and students to pick out what the uniform will look like."

Magin stressed students will be part of the process. The idea of school uniforms was first raised at a faculty council meeting last December, he said. The council is comprised of teachers, certified and classified staff of Yuma High School. The reasons for requiring uniforms are they would promote student discipline, focus students on studies and lead to a more orderly environment, according to the council.

Soon after, a survey was taken of all Yuma High School staff about uniforms and results showed 90 percent supported the idea, Magin said. In March, a survey of parents showed 75 percent favored uniforms. However, a survey of students showed 60 percent opposed while 40 percent favored uniforms.

"I was surprised we had 40 percent in favor," Magin said. "It was not as lopsided as I thought it might be."

If Thursday's open meeting on school uniforms demonstrates strong support for the idea then a proposal will be made at the June 11 board meeting, Magin noted.

"I think they could address that at that meeting unless they table it for further discussion," he said.

He went on to say that if the school board does support the idea it needs to make a decision as early as possible in the summer in order to allow parents time to buy uniforms before the 2008-09 school year begins. Some opposition to the idea is anticipated and will be discussed. Requiring students to wear uniforms does not take away freedom of expression or their individuality, Magin noted.

"We're just exploring the possibility of uniforms," Magin said. "If students dress for school like business people dress for success it would promote student achievement."


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William Roller can be reached at
wroller@yumasun.com or539-6858.