School Board Meeting Essay

n the end, protesters of a school uniform policy and district officials parted amicably, with Superintendent Jeff Ritz inviting students and parents to partake in committee discussions about specifics, which have yet to be finalized.

But tense moments at times twisted Monday's school board meeting into a knot.

Several students were present, holding signs that read "No uniforms," "Uniforms don't change anything," "Don't take away our freedom of expression" and "I follow the dress code, don't punish me."

The students, apparently unfamiliar with school board procedure, stood right outside the conference room for much of the meeting. They missed the audience participation portion, which allows district residents and others to comment on matters. During the middle of the meeting, they made their way in and stood until board members were prepared to a vote on whether

James Rosso asked if anyone opposed. The students and parents present said "aye" in unison and tried to talk over board members as they continued with the meeting. That led to testy moments. One parent suggested aloud that "parent involvement means nothing at this point."

"You don't care what we have to say," parent Tracy Polachek said. At least one adult present noted the students had been standing outside the meeting room and board members didn't appear to notice them or invite them inside.

The group was told they'd missed the audience participation portion of the meeting. They were further told that a committee met five times to outline the pros and cons of uniforms and discuss issues related to their implementation.

Board members were asked why uniforms were necessary.

"I think it will make the school more professional as a whole," board member Rod Cok said. He added it will help prepare students for careers. Both sentiments were echoed by Superintendent Jeff