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Taylor High students propose uniforms to boost attendance; board asks for parent outreach
Summary
A group of Taylor High students presented a project linking uniforms and attendance and offered cost estimates and funding ideas; board members praised the work but requested peer and parent surveys before any policy steps.
Four students presented a project linking declining attendance to school culture and proposed a school‑uniform plan they said would increase attendance and safety.
Student presenter Ava Phillips, a 10th grader at Taylor High School, told the board: "Attendance rates have drastically declined after the pandemic," and said chronic absence is measured as 18 days or more. The students reported that Taylor High School had roughly 350 students and said an attendance success indicator—meeting a 94% presence threshold—was being achieved by about 53% of students.
What students proposed: The presentation recommended a Monday–Thursday uniform policy with a "free Friday," optional spirit days and different color ties or grade‑level identifiers. Students argued uniforms could reduce visible socioeconomic differences and make intruders easier to spot.
Costs and partners: The students presented line‑item cost estimates for uniform garments (examples provided in their materials) and suggested funding options including a mandatory fee, fundraising and partner sponsorships. They named community partners they had contacted, including Mr. Gent, Mr. Moon and Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union, and asked the district to help distribute parent surveys.
Board response and process: Board members praised the student work but urged broader outreach before any adoption. One board member said the students should engage more peers and parents; another cautioned that an abrupt policy could lead to compliance problems and recommended surveys and a share/hand‑me‑down plan to reduce costs. Staff agreed to help the students run parent and student surveys and to provide uniform mockups for future consideration.
Next steps: Students were asked to return with survey results, more peer input and cost calculations; staff offered to review surveys before distribution and to share mockups from a vendor.
The board did not take action on a uniform policy at the meeting.
