Florida school districts could earn extra money if they require students to wear uniforms.
A bill is making its way through the House that would pay districts an extra $10 per student if a uniform policy is adopted. Right now, districts are given on average $7,000 per student.
Legislators backing the proposal say that uniforms could help improve school safety. They also say it would minimize disciplinary problems because of distractions caused by clothing.
Lynch Elementary School in St. Petersburg adapted a modified uniform policy on its own three years ago. Principal Johnnie Crawford was new at the time and said he did his best to explain the decision to students.
“I would say to them, 'This is my uniform, this means I’m at work, I’m here to take care of business,' " Crawford said, pointing to his shirt and tie. “ 'This is my uniform to take care of business and now you have a uniform to take care of business.' ”
Music teacher Deborah Richards-Bege was on staff before the changes were made. She said she notices a difference in the classroom when it comes to focus, as well as student acceptance.
“Overall, I’ve seen a big improvement as far as behavior because I think that all the children feel like they’re part of the same group,” she said.
Something very important at a Title I school, where Crawford said uniforms have leveled the playing field.
“Some students have and some students don’t,” he said. “So it kind of took that out of the equation.”
The legislation is aimed at students in elementary and middle school. Districts would be shielded from lawsuits if they implement the uniform policy for those grades. School uniforms would have to feature solid colors.