JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County Public Schools said any questions about school uniforms should be directed to school administrators, as frustration mounts for Westside High parents.
Parents said the change caught them off guard and it’s causing them headaches.
“Not all of us are able to go to this store and spend $40 on pants and all that stuff,” Hayden, a sibling of one of the students, said.
Others said they weren’t aware of the new policy and any students who violated it were placed in the school’s auditorium.
“We already had all the shirts with the logos and everything,” Melissa, one of the parents, said. “It’s the pants that are problem. He even tried wearing the same pair he wore last year and ended up in the auditorium.”
She said she has only purchased one pair so far.
“I’m waiting to see what happens as far as uniforms go before I purchase more,” she said.
Hayden said she doesn’t see the point in the new dress code.
“She’s in her junior year, and this is one of the most important years of your high school career, and I feel like she should at least be learning something,” Hayden said. “They’re not giving these kids computers and nothing like that to study or learn.”
News4JAX went to RC Uniforms, the uniform vendor for Westside High, and compared the pricing to a regular store.
From RC Uniforms: A regular short-sleeve polo, a skirt, and pants cost Westsabout $60.
From Walmart: You can get the same items in the right school colors for $32.
Without that logo, it’s not considered uniform for some schools.
We asked Duval County Public Schools for a list of which schools require uniforms, and which ones require a logo versus those where the logo is optional and are still waiting for a response.
DCPS released a statement on the school’s position on uniforms.
The Duval County School Board’s position on school uniforms is outlined in the DCPS Code of Conduct. Individual schools, in collaboration with their School Advisory Council (SAC), can require uniforms.
Principals and school staff are keenly aware of community needs and are committed to working with families to address any challenges or hardships related to uniform expectations. Our goal is to work collaboratively with students and parents to ensure uniform compliance and find solutions with grace and compassion. We are also incredibly proud of the community organizations, volunteers, and parent groups who generously provide resources and uniforms to our students.
If you have any questions about the uniform policy at your student’s school, please contact the school’s front office or principal for guidance.
Duval County Public Schools
