Mount Vernon School Board Adopts School Uniform Policy

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Following requests from district families and the Parent Teacher Association, the Mount Vernon Board of Education unanimously adopted a school uniform policy in July.

Board members cited a districtwide survey in which more than 80 percent of the over 1,000 responders supported the measure. Based on existing parent support, Pennington, Columbus and Hamilton schools are expected to be the first to adopt the uniform policy in September.

The policy allows schools in the district to mandate students wear uniforms if they present certification to the Board. Proper certification will include agreements from a minimum of 80 percent of families at the school. According to the adopted board policy, the intent is not to inhibit or prohibit any student who is not in uniform from receiving the education to which he or she is entitled. Therefore, no student will be subject to disciplinary actions for not complying with the policy.

“We want to provide the schools in this district who wish to adopt uniforms with the ability to do so,” said Mount Vernon City School Board President Adrienne Saunders. “Schools that adopt uniform policies show increases in student focus in the classroom and decreases in behavioral issues.”

Students will be given input on uniform selection and may receive uniform waivers for reasons of health or religious freedom. The district will offer assistance in purchasing uniforms to families facing financial hardship.

A link to the Board of Education’s full adopted policy is available on the website.

About Mount Vernon City School District

With more than 8,000 students in 16 schools, the Mount Vernon City School District is committed to providing a quality education to its children as well as developing programs that meet the diverse academic and social needs of its students.