By Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The Craig County School Board voted unanimously Nov. 11 to advance a proposed dress code policy to a first reading following discussion about clarifying expectations for student attire and adding specific exemptions.
Vice Chair Darren Gilreath of the Simmonsville District initiated the review, saying the intent was to make the dress code more straightforward and eliminate confusion. The proposed policy would prohibit distracting accessories, including costume tails or animal tails, masks, costume-style face coverings or headgear that obscure the face, and items that create noise, drag on the floor, or cause unusual movement or visual effects. Medical masks or face coverings worn for health-related purposes would be permitted.
School Board Chair Trace Bellassai of the Craig City District noted the division currently does not have a formal dress code in board policy, with guidelines instead included in student handbooks. He made the motion to move the proposal forward for a first reading.
Superintendent Dr. Jason Wheeler raised the need to include an exemption for religious reasons, citing students whose faith may require head coverings. Wheeler said adding the exemption now would prevent the board from having to revisit the policy later.
Bellassai also suggested adding an exemption for school-sponsored events, such as spirit weeks or themed activities, noting that such events could otherwise conflict with the proposed language. Board members discussed the need for explicit policy language to allow different standards for school-sponsored activities rather than relying on administrative discretion.
The board agreed to include exemptions for religious practices and school-sponsored events in the proposed policy.
The motion was moved by Gilreath and seconded by Faye Powers of the Potts Mountain District. Board members Walter Marsden, Amanda Matheny, Gilreath, Powers, and Bellassai all voted in favor during roll call, advancing the proposal unanimously to a first reading.
The policy returned to the board during the December monthly meeting on Tuesday. Coverage of the meeting will appear in the Dec. 24 issue of The New Castle Record.
