Three Abbotsford schools have so far voted in favour of having dress codes or school uniforms implemented next year, although results have not been finalized.
Polls conducted at Dave Kandal elementary, Blue Jay elementary and Eugene Reimer middle school show that parents who have voted so far are overwhelmingly in favour of having a dress code.
The school district had asked each school to aim for 90 per cent of parents to cast a ballot.
As of yesterday, Dave Kandal had reached 99 per cent of its 223 families, and 90 per cent were in favour.
At Blue Jay, 88 per cent of its 352 families had voted, with 77 per cent of those saying yes to a dress code or uniforms.
The process at Eugene Reimer resulted in 57 per cent of the 650 families casting a vote. Of those, 75 per cent were in favour.
Julie Stroszyn, president of Eugene Reimer’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC), said she is not sure whether the school district will accept their results, since the participation rate is well below 90 per cent.
The school will likely extend its voting time in an effort to get more parents to respond, she said.
If the vote does go ahead in favour, Stroszyn said the process will begin in determining what parents want in a dress code, including colours and costs.
Stroszyn said the look is not likely to be a full uniform, similar to what is worn at private schools, but could simply be a dress code in line with what has been in place at Harry Sayers elementary since 2004.
There, the dress code for students consists of navy blue dress pants (or a “skort” for girls), a white polo shirt or blouse, a navy blue sweatshirt and/or vest, and navy or white socks.
Earlier this year, the Abbotsford board of education reduced the percentage of favourable votes needed at a school in order for uniforms to be implemented. Previously, 75 per cent approval was required. Now, 66 per cent is needed.
One vote is alloted for each student enrolled at a particular school.