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Furor sparked over new CPS uniforms A number of Clarke Preparatory School parents are protesting the adoption of a new uniform policy after a letter signed by members of the private school's board of directors was sent home with students on Feb. 25. A petition protesting the change is being circulated and a special board meeting has reportedly been called for tonight (Thursday) which may address concern over the new policy that will become effective for the 2008- 09 school year. However, the school would not confirm that a meeting is scheduled, and no school officials would comment publicly on the subject. And while there is fierce opposition in some quarters to the change, none of the protestors were willing to comment pubicly either. The new policy is intended to "enhance the college prep program and the disciplined environment," the letter from the board read. "The uniforms will consist of the following choices: white or orange polo shirts with school crest for boys and girls (K4-12), white Peter Pan collar shirt with monogram (for girls to wear with jumpers K4-3), white oxford shirts with monogram for boys and girls, white three-quarter sleeve shirt with crest for girls (4-12), uniform khaki pants for boys and girls (K4-12) or shorts (K4-6), brown belt, black and white glen plaid skorts (K4-12) and jumpers (K4-3), Bass suede buc shoe for girls and boys, white and black saddle shoe for girls, khaki socks for boys, white socks for girls, and a black rugger jacket with school logo." The uniforms were to be shown at a mass meeting April 27 at the school. Fittings for the uniforms were planned for May 5 and 6. The petition expresses concern that Zoghby's, a Mobile business, is the only provider for the uniforms. "Families will not have the option to search for competitive prices or make purchases from companies benefiting the local economy." Zoghby's is offering a 10 percent discount to CPS patrons. Some families have estimated that it will cost $300 or more to outfit a child with a week of school wear. The petition suggests that the change "is an effort to create an elitist atmosphere where membership is restricted only to those who fall within the upper socioeconomic strata. The ultimate result of such action will be to force some students to seek a new educational home - even those who have spent a decade or more learning and growing within the walls of this honorable institution. "Many members are seriously considering removing their children from Clarke Preparatory School based solely on this one issue." "…At a time when the economy of our nation appears to be entering a recession, as evidence by higher gasoline prices, food prices, and many individuals facing uncertainty in their employment, such a drastic and expensive change will create a financial burden on too many members," the petition reads.
"Finally, we believe that whatever increase in revenue may be attained through this proposal will ultimately be lost - and much more - by the decrease in enrollment at Clarke Preparatory School."
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