FARRELL

A month before another school year starts, Farrell Area school board is considering some changes in school policy, including school uniforms and raising the eligibility requirements for student athletes.

Superintendent Richard R. Rubano proposed "feeling out the community response" by creating a committee to discuss the possibility of uniforms for the district's elementary schools.

"I really believe that forcing students into wearing school uniforms would restrict their creativity," board member James S. Guerino said at the board's work session Monday.

Other board members seemed to agree.

"It limits the individuality of the kids and the parents," said board member Jerome Flint.

Alternative ideas were also floated by board members.

"We could have children wear uniforms for four days a week and have a 'dress down' Friday for both the kids and teachers," said board member Lester Robinson, Jr.

Board member Ronald Weston also said he favored dress down days.

Superintendent Rubano reminded the board that the idea is in its initial stages, and they are only being asked to form a committee to discuss the option. The board is expected to act on that request at their regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday.

Also to be reviewed at next week's meeting is the athletic eligibility clause for students participating in extra circular activities. Under current policy, students must be passing at least four classes to play sports.

Board member Sadie R. Benham argued that the requirement should be based on overall grade point average and not just four of the student's courses.

"I believe they should carry a 2.0 grade point average, not just be passing four courses," said Ms. Benham. "That means they could be carrying two or three F's and four C's and could still play since four are passing," she said.

Ms. Benham told the board she would do some more research on the subject and would tell the board what she discovered.

Superintendent Rubano reminded the board that the "passing four classes" requirement was the minimum set by the PIAA and that the board had the right to "raise the bar" for student-athletes.