By Tom Davidson
FARRELL — Sharon City School District’s recent success with a stricter dress code motivated a parent to approach Farrell Area School Board Monday and ask if anything was in the works there.
“What steps are we taking to going to uniforms?” asked Ernesto O’Kane, who said he’s been a long-time advocate of school uniforms.
The issue is one that stirs passions on both sides, interim Superintendent Lawrence Connelly responded.
Some say uniforms level the playing field for students concerned with fashions and improve the learning environment, while others are quick to argue it infringes on rights of expression and individuality, Connelly explained
“Get people from the community together and talk about it as a committee,” Connelly advised O’Kane.
He cited the success of Sharon’s program since it started this school year — despite early opposition to it.
“Maybe we should follow the steps they follow,” O’Kane said.
School directors will discuss it further, President Terry Harrison said. “It is a topic that’s out there.”
The board will also be represented on any committee the community forms, he said.
“I’ll see if I can get that committee going and we will see if we can make it work,” O’Kane said.
Sharon’s policy — which limits kids to khaki, black, orange and white apparel — could be imitated at Farrell using the school’s blue-and-gold colors, Connelly said.
No one on the board came out especially in favor or opposed to exploring the idea.
