School Uniforms At Central Regional?

Would uniforms be a better fit for students in the Central Regional school district?

School officials are considering switching to uniforms for students in both the high school, middle school and the Seaside Heights Elementary School, Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides said in a presentation to the Township Council last night.

The move would take pressure off both students and parents and would enhance school security at the 98-acre campus off Forest Hills Parkway, Parlapanides said.

"We are a 98-acre ranch...with lots of entrances," he told the council. "If everyone is in uniform, we know who everybody is."

Switching to uniforms would put all students on an even basis and lessen the economic burden for parents," Parlapanides said.

"A lot of our families lost everything due to Superstorm Sandy," he said. "This way you don't have to go out and buy a $200 pair of Nikes."

The benefits of uniforms include:

• Renewed focus on academics

• School safety

• Reduction in tardiness, suspensions and disciplinary referrals.

• Levels socio-economic differences

• Long-range cost effectiveness

Students and parents will be able to vote on the issue on the district's website in the near future.