By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

WEST CHESTER TWP. - Fad and fashion might change, but officials in the Lakota Schools want students to remember two things: dress modestly and in a way that's not disruptive.

Bellies and buttocks would have to stay covered, among other rules, in a proposed dress code that would take effect in Ohio's largest suburban school district in August. The code was outlined this week by representatives of a 40-member committee made up of students, parents, teachers and administrators.

PROPOSED RULES

• Hats, head coverings (except cultural or religious), bandanas, sweatbands and sunglasses are not allowed inside buildings. • Shirts and tops should be long enough to tuck into lower garments and have high enough neckline to cover cleavage. • Lower garments are to be worn at waist level. • Skirts, shorts, skorts and dresses may be no shorter than mid-thigh with no portion of the buttocks or undergarments exposed when a student sits, stands, raises a hand or bends over. • Lower garments cannot drag on the floor. • Biking, spandex and Lycra-type shorts can only be worn under a skirt or dress. • Torn or tattered clothing is not to be worn. • Jewelry, clothing or other items cannot have obscene, violent, gang, tobacco, drug or alcohol-related messages or images.

"I think it's needed. It hasn't been changed in a long time," said Virginia Tyrone, 13, a Liberty Junior School eighth-grader. "It kind of bugs me that instead of watching the teacher, (classmates) are watching (what's on) a shirt."

The group studied the matter for seven months before preparing a three-page document now available in the school buildings and at www.lakotaonline.com.

The current dress code, last reviewed in 1987, wasn't specific enough, says Pat Kreider, a Lakota East math teacher.

"Every once in a while, we have a problem that's not addressed," Kreider said. "(This) gives teachers a clearer line of what's right or not right. It creates an environment for learning that eliminates distractions - whether that be a short skirt or blue hair."

The board has put the matter on its April 28 meeting for a final vote.

"We really needed to have a common-sense approach and we didn't have to be fashion police," said Assistant Superintendent Mike Taylor.

Board member Dan Warncke expressed some concern about the availability of clothes that would meet the guidelines.

"There weren't any shorts on the girls' racks that would meet these guidelines," Warncke said of his elementary-age daughter. "My wife ended up buying her some in the boys department."

According to the proposal, shorts, skirts, "skorts" and dresses can be no shorter than mid-thigh. No portion of the buttocks or undergarments should be exposed when the student sits, stands, raises his hand or bends over.

The plan also says that tops or shirts should be long enough that they could be tucked into lower garments.

"This plan was something everyone could live with," said Ron Spurlock, principal at Liberty Junior School. "Dress code is the toughest thing I deal with day in and day out. I think this is more clear-cut."

Parent Cathy Durkosaid she doesn't think there's much of a problem at the elementary level, but found enforcement inconsistent.

"I agree we needed to look at the situation. I don't think all the teachers were enforcing the dress code," said Durko, who has children at Adena Elementary and Hopewell Junior schools. "You'll see one girl in trouble for (short shorts or skirts) and another not for something even shorter."

The district invites comment. Send it to: Dress Code Committee, Lakota Schools, 5030 Tylersville Road, West Chester, OH, 45069.

E-mail suek@infi.net