$1 jeans day no more?

Fundraisers at schools that allow students to pay money to dress out of uniform could end after complaints from at least one school board member who says it's unfair to less fortunate students.

Following Tuesday's meeting, Superintendent Bryan Blavatt said he would speak to administrators at public schools that require uniforms about discontinuing the practice of allowing students to have nonuniform days if they participate in a fundraiser.

Students usually pay $1 and are allowed to wear jeans and/or shirts that don't fit the uniform standards. Money then goes toward paying for school functions or community causes.

However, Vice Chairwoman Dianne Bonfield said she believes the fundraiser method is unfair to children - essentially punishing them because their parents can't always afford to provide the money.

"I just find it that those with money, they can kind of break the rules and those without can't, and that just doesn't seem right," Bonfield said. "If you're going to do it, do it for everyone and not just for those who can pay."

Blavatt agreed, saying that allowing students to pay money to break the rules wasn't a process he wants to see continue. He said he has a meeting with principals on Jan. 24 during which he plans to direct them to discontinue that practice.

"I understand why it was being done, and it wasn't a selfish thing," Blavatt said. "The money was going to charity and other causes. But even so, it's not an appropriate lesson we want to teach our kids."

He added that the new directive will apply not only to uniforms, but anything where students can pay money to violate any student code of conduct.

The issue stemmed from a discussion of complaints made in mid-December from parents whose children were sent to the office at Brooksville Elementary School after their parents dressed them in jeans to stay warmer - a violation of the school dress code.

At that time, Principal Mary LeDoux explained that parents had assumed jeans would be allowed because of the colder temperatures. However, administrators hadn't announced that jeans would be allowed.

She added that the practice of students wearing jeans to school had gotten out of hand after a growing number of children began coming to school out of uniform - mainly due to parents assuming it would be OK if it was cold.

Parents from other schools also complained to school board members about similar instances, such as at J.D. Floyd.

Blavatt told board members Tuesday that he believes administrators are best handling the matter and that recent complaints stemmed from a misunderstanding.

He added that he would speak to principals and call for more flexibility to allow jeans in colder weather.

"I've spoken with administrators, and I feel confident that the issue has been resolved," Blavatt said.