JMCSS Policy Committee discusses possible dress code changes

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson-Madison County School Board’s Policy Committee met Wednesday to discuss possible changes to the student handbook.

“Our policy should be tight, but not so tight it’s hard to follow,” Superintendent Dr. Verna Ruffin said.

The group considers resolutions to a wardrobe staple — leggings. Dr. Ruffin said a lot of students will wear them as an extra layer for warmth underneath skirts, dresses and shorts — something previously not addressed in the dress code.

“If you wore them as pants, that’s not allowable,” school board member David Clifft said. “But if you wore them under a skirt? I can’t imagine what the problem would be with that.”

The committee approved a proposal to allow students to wear leggings within their school’s colors and underneath approved clothing.

Belts with names are another accessory up for discussion at the Wednesday meeting.

The current policy doesn’t address those specifically, but that’s something an amendment could change.

“It should be the name of the student and not some name of a gang or an idol,” Clifft said.

The proposed changes will have to be approved by the school board before taking effect.

Also at the meeting, Dr. Ruffin gave an update on the possible future of West Middle School, which is set to close at the end of this school year.

Ruffin said there is some interest from the Sheriff’s Office in using the building as additional offices as well as training for the TBI and Fire Department. A final decision has not been made.