BOE Split on Uniforms in Manalapan-Englishtown Schools

During a meeting of the Manalapan-Englishtown Board of Education on Tuesday, July 12, a workshop discussion revealed a mixed opinion on a school uniform proposal that has been on the table since February.

, spearheaded by board member Annamarie Galante, is a possible school uniform, such as a polo shirt and khaki pants, for students in the K-8 school district. With the help of board member Diane Bindler, Galante began researching options. Most recently, she had been to measure parents’ opinion.

in February revealed a roughly even divide on the issue, but sufficient interest to move forward. Later, the administration found that some people had cast more than one vote.

“If we feel that we (the Board of Education) don’t want to follow through on it, it’s silly to send out a survey,” said Board President Michele Stipelman.

She indicated that board member Brian Graime sent his colleagues an email stating his opposition to the idea and found evidence that a uniform could cost up to $175. Galante disagreed with that estimate and said she purchased two sets of clothing for a boy and a girl for $59 at Old Navy.

Stipelman went around the table and asked for opinions. Board member James Mumolie said he does not think the district needs a school uniform; vice-president Lori Semel and board member Dotty Porcaro agreed. Along with Bindler, board member Joseph DePasquale said he would like to pursue it, making the informal vote four against and three, in favor of the uniforms.

“The main reason for this was to help stop the harassment and the bullying, which is a huge problem besides economic status, which is another huge problem,” Galante said.

While the administration and teachers are responsible for enforcing current dress code guidelines, Galante says it is impossible. “They don’t do it because it’s easier to ignore it,” she said.

Stipelman and Superintendent John J. Marciante Jr. suggested taking the current dress code and strengthening it. Acknowledging Galante’s comment about the economics of dress and how it can contribute to peer pressure, Stipelman suggested a way to limit what emblems and logos students may wear. 

“If you’re telling people what they can and can’t wear, it’s a uniform,” said DePasquale, disagreeing with that idea. Marciante agreed that it would be difficult to enforce such a policy.

Stipelman said that the Board should consider the opinions of all members, including Brian Graime and Ralph Cafaro who were both absent from the meeting. Stipelman said the topic will be discussed again next week.