Flip-flops and wallet chains could be out in the Mt. Lebanon School District. So, too, could hats and hoods.
The school board policy committee is working with Superintendent Margery Sable to develop and implement the first districtwide dress code.
Rules in the current high school student handbook ban clothes that expose bellies or underwear. Also outlawed is attire or jewelry that bears profanity or references to drugs, weapons, violence, alcohol, tobacco or sex.
But there's not a universal code, said Carol Walton, policy committee chairwoman.
"If you don't have a districtwide or schoolwide thing, it becomes difficult for teachers to enforce," she explained.
The goal is for students' attire to be non-disruptive and non-damaging.
Likely to be banned are wallet chains and cleats. And flip-flop sandals.
"That's more a safety issue than anything else," Walton said.
Board members also will discuss whether to ban hats and hoods inside the buildings, she said.
Sable, who succeeded Glenn Smartschan as superintendent in August, said a dress code is one of many things she wants to address.
"There's a full list of policies that need to be updated and changed," she said. "I just think it's something that needs revisited."
While she's not sure what is appropriate, Sable said she knows what isn't appropriate.
"We're not out to break new ground," she said.
The district is reviewing other districts' dress codes. Walton said a policy might be ready to consider next month.
