High school staff present plan to shift from strict uniform to district dress code emphasizing career pathways
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Summary
Lawrence High School principals and teachers proposed shifting from a strict uniform to a district dress code with campus carve‑outs so pathway students (health, manufacturing, aviation, business) can wear professional attire or scrubs; board will consider a motion next month after further community engagement.
Members of the Lawrence High School leadership team presented a proposal to modify the district's approach to student attire, moving from a uniform requirement toward a district dress code that would allow campus‑specific or pathway‑specific professional attire.
Doctor Reynoso (principal of upper school), Mindy Richardson (ninth‑grade teacher) and Maureen Santiago (CTE/business pathway teacher) described career pathways and gave examples of how attire can support identity and internships: scrubs for health‑assisting students, branded shirts for the school store and apparel produced by business pathway juniors, and aviation‑related uniforms for students training at the local airport. Santiago noted the business pathway redesigned the school store and that students are interning in banking and community partners.
When outlining dress‑code standards, Richardson told the board the expectation would include no headwear except for religious reasons, no clothing that is sheer or exposes undergarments, and nothing bearing profanity or discriminatory language. "We felt like we put together some good standards that while students could express some individuality, it's still with standards," she said. Administrators said faculty and student government were consulted and that next steps include community and parent engagement before a formal motion.
Board members raised concerns about how ninth graders (new to high school) might adjust and stressed the need to consult families. Headmaster Victor Caravallo said the intent is to reinforce college and career readiness and to let students "fit the part" when they attend internships or college partner sites. The board agreed to take the proposal under advisement and expected a discussion and possible motion at the next meeting.
