Ho-Ho-Kus March 14, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 District seeks more input on use of school uniforms by Jennifer Crusco Ho-Ho-Kus school officials are still mulling the question of whether to enact and enforce a well-defined dress code or adopt a policy requiring school uniforms. Last week, Ho-Ho-Kus Superintendent Deborah Ferrara was awaiting survey responses from distric parents and guardians. In her message regarding the survey, Ferrara wrote, “Over the past few months, a committee of parents, teachers, administrators and board members met to prepare a recommendation to the board. The consensus of that committee was to adopt and strictly enforce a more well-defined dress code rather than to impose a school uniform policy… At this time, the board has directed me to survey all parents to determine which of the two options…is preferable to our parents. It is the board’s wish that every family have a voice before a final decision is made by the board.” One response per family was requested by March 9. Sean Healy, a concerned parent, expressed his view that the survey is unscientific, and could be taken multiple times on multiple computers by the same respondent. He questioned the rationale for uniforms, and said there had been no study of the implications of the use of uniforms in the public schools by a researcher or educational expert. He added that there has been no discussion of the implications of uniforms on the learning environment. Superintendent Ferarra noted that the district has a means to determine whether multiple people from a household have voted more than once. She added that, just prior to press time, one household had voted four times, but only one of those votes would be accepted. A school official pointed out that the survey is meant to be an outreach to interested parents and guardians, and not a scientific study. Commenting on the issue, School Board President Ellen Walsh added, “Anyone who feels his or her voice has not been heard can respond.” Walsh explained that the district’s exploration of a uniform policy was not generated by the board. Standard & Poor’s recent affirmation of the Ho-Ho-Kus School District’s AA bond rating will allow school officials the opportunity to save $1.1 million in debt service through 2029. The company recognized the high quality of the K-8 public school, the quality of life within the borough, local fundraising efforts on behalf of the school, and the district’s efforts to contain costs without negatively impacting education. S&P also found that the district maintains a solid fund balance despite the state-mandated property tax cap, which is currently set at two percent. This month, the district will be re-funding $6.58 million in outstanding bonds that were issued in 2003. The district will take advantage of the historically low interest rates to refund this existing debt, and school officials noted that S&P’s recent report will further the district’s pursuit. While district officials originally expected to trim the average interest rate on outstanding bonds from 4.28 percent to 3.25 percent, favorable market conditions and the S&P rating have allowed Ho-Ho-Kus to receive a 2.21 percent interest rate. Superintendent Deborah Ferrara said the money saved will go directly toward tax relief. She explained that the savings realized from this re-funding will mean that, this year, the total tax levy, including debt service, will be S&P rating helps save $1.1 million “Parents approached us,” Walsh said. She said proponents believe the uniforms would improve the atmosphere within the school because people would not be checking the brands of the clothing worn by students and therefore would not judge each other on the basis of wardrobe choices. Walsh noted that trustee John Buffa, who has been working on the issue with the committee, researched the use of uniforms, but the studies were not conclusive. The evidence concerning the effects of uniforms were anecdotal, Walsh said. “If the survey comes back against uniforms, that’s fine,” Walsh continued. “We would then update the dress code.” In October 2011, district parents were surveyed about the uniform question. Of the 458 people who responded at that time, 230 were in favor of a uniform policy, 209 were opposed, and 19 were undecided. However, several parents who attended a board meeting in November spoke against a uniform policy. Proponents believe uniforms can help eliminate bullying, and could foster unity and school pride. Opponents have pointed to the idea that requiring uniforms could keep students from learning about diversity and would stop children from expressing their individuality through fashion. increased by 1.28 percent, well below the cap. “The outstanding results of our bond refunding will minimize the impact of tax increases for every taxpayer,” the superintendent said. Ferrara added that the district has been able to keep its fund balance intact by trimming costs in all areas, with every staff member taking on more. “Every member of this school community has worked to maintain the quality instruction we have. We must also continue to assess and review our program and look for ways to offer the enhancements necessary to meet the needs of our 21st century learners,” the superintendent said. “We are very grateful for everything this community does to support our school,” Ferrara added, citing the efforts of the Ho-Ho-Kus Education Foundation and the fundraising efforts of Ho-Ho-Kus School parents and community members in providing non-tax revenues to the district. The district’s financial advisor, Anthony Inverso of Phoenix Advisors, LLC, noted, “We were able to work with Ho-Ho-Kus to share the good news about the school and the community, which allowed the district to lock in exceptionally low interest rates and generate substantial debt service savings. As a result, taxpayers benefit.” J. CRUSCO