Dear WCS Employees,

Board President Mike Young and I held a press conference at 4:00 PM. We used these points to begin the press conference.
Please watch KWWL and Read the Courier Web Site. KCRG and KCAN will also have coverage.

RESTRICTED DRESS CODE—SUGGESTED KEY MESSAGES

1. The Waterloo Community Schools are safer and have a more desirable climate for learning, because of the actions taken by the Board of Directors on May 24, 2010.

2. Parents and community members overwhelmingly support this policy, as they have witnessed the dramatic effects. In fact, some critics have since concluded that it was good for our students and our community.

3. The Administrative Law Judge did not disagree with the intent of our policy…but she felt we needed to modify our language to conform to the state statute.

4. The recommended decision is just that, a recommendation, and will not become final and binding until November 17, 2010 if the State Board of Education affirms the decision.

5. The current restricted dress code will remain in effect until the decision is final.

6. School Principals in the buildings that voluntarily implemented the policy this school year will enforce the restricted dress code until the Waterloo Community School District Board of Education directs otherwise.

7. Parents and citizens should be reassured that the board still has as it central mission: increased student achievement and a safe inviting, school climate. We intend to “stay true” our core mission. This is a case of first impression. Although, we are the first district in Iowa, we are clearly not the first in the Nation. Parents, be assured you have not wasted your support or your money.
8. The WCS Board of Education will meet with their attorney in a later this month to determine a course of action.

9. Optional– The board appears to have several options:

a. Appeal under 281—IAC 6.
b. File petition for judicial review in district court.
c. Construct a new “proscriptive” policy delineating in detail the things that cannot be worn.
d. Ask the 2011 Iowa Legislature to amend 279 to give the local board broader authority.

Dr. Gary W. Norris, Superintendent