Beaufort County Board of Education rolled out two changes to the student dress code for 2017-18.

Students will no longer be allowed to wear pants with holes in them. This rule does not apply to accidental tears while a student is wearing the pants, according to Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps.

Students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade are now allowed to wear leggings and athletic shorts/pants with an elastic waistband to school.

“The board believes that the dress and personal appearance of students greatly affect their academic performance and their interaction with other students. The board requests that parents outfit their children in clothing that is conducive to learning,” the Beaufort County Schools dress code policy states.

Phipps said these changes came about at the request of school administrators.

The last change to the school district’s dress code took place during the 2015-16 school year. The Board of Education eliminated the requirement for collared shirts and added a rule against athletic pants and shorts.

Beaufort County Schools tweaks the dress code periodically as the need arises. The Board of Education must vote to approve any changes.

 

The full policy for 2017-18 is listed below:

PANTS, SKIRTS, SHORTS, JUMPERS, DRESSES, SKORTS, CAPRIS

• Pants may be any color.
• Pants must not have holes, cuts and tears.
• Garments cannot be shorter than 3 inches above the knee.
• Overalls and coveralls are prohibited.
• Approved shirt or top is required when wearing a jumper.
• Form-fitting spandex material, nylon and athletic pants/shorts of any kind, including sweat pants, are prohibited.
• Oversized, undersized and skintight garments will not be tolerated.
• In pre-K through fifth grade, students may wear leggings, athletic shorts and pants with elastic waist.

SHOES

• Some type of footwear must be worn at all times.
• Pre-K through fifth grade is not allowed to wear flip-flops at any time.
• No spike heels or bedroom shoes are allowed.

SHIRTS

• Shirts may be any color and do not require a collar.
• Shirts may be long or short sleeve.
• Sleeveless shirts are not permitted.
• Form-fitting spandex material and nylon are prohibited.
• Oversized, undersized and skintight garments will not be tolerated.

COATS

• Coats must not hang past the straddle of the pants.