Principal Olson
DERBY — Members of the Derby Board of Education have been discussing whether to implement a school uniform policy in the district. Click here for a Valley Indy story.
The Valley Indy sent questions to Derby High School principal Jennifer Olson about the issue on Sept. 19. Here are the questions and answers:
Valley Independent Sentinel: Do you support school uniforms and do you think it has a positive impact on the school communities?
Principal Jennifer Olson: “In 2023, a group of DHS students attended a Board of Education meeting and presented a proposal requesting that the dress code policy be revised to ease some restrictions and reflect current styles. The Board was responsive and accepted almost all of the student’s recommendations. The policy was officially revised in April 2023 which made the dress code more flexible to include items previously restricted, such as spandex, yoga pants, sweat pants, and more clearly defined an approved short/skirt length.
The most common issues we have had to address are hats/hoods, the length of shirts (“belly shirts”) and shorts, and excessively ripped pants. This includes extremely short bottoms and tops, shirts that are low cut in the front or back, and exposed undergarments. Another issue is pajamas, slippers, blankets, and other sleepwear worn as clothing.
We recognize that what students wear is fashionable or comfortable, but many current styles are inappropriate for school and do not meet the district’s dress code. We do not intend to limit self-expression or exercise unreasonable control over students. Our goal is to prepare students for college, career, and life, and appropriate dress is considered a required part of most work environments, professional or social organizations, or athletic teams. I would support a dress code policy or school uniforms; I don’t have a preference. I worked in a school, though, with uniforms for grades PK‑8 and was very successful.“
Valley Independent Sentinel: (Derby School Board Chairman) Jim Gildea said a motivation is that administrators and teachers spend time interpreting outfits and trying to determine whether it’s a dress code policy. He said administrators have said those activities take time away from teaching. I’m wondering if you dealt with clothes-related issues a bunch in the last few years at Derby High, and whether you think a uniform policy could help?
Olson: “I tell students that while it’s my responsibility to ensure the school rules are followed, I don’t want to spend my time being the fashion police. The more time I spend addressing basic expectations like dress code violations, the less time I have to focus on creating meaningful opportunities and experiences for everyone. The top priority should be making Derby High School an outstanding place for students to learn and for teachers and staff to enjoy coming to work.
Our year has started strong with the dress code. We have been clear and consistent with expectations, and when there is a dress code violation, we immediately address it fairly and equitably. In previous years, there have been times when the dress code violations were numerous and took a lot of time to address with students and parents. It has also caused conflicts when students or parents feel the rule is too strict. I believe students enjoy choosing their clothes, but recently, several have mentioned that they would welcome a school uniform because it would relieve the pressure of constantly buying new outfits.”
