Troy City Schools students’ have a new uniform dress code, thanks to the school board’s approval on Tuesday.

The revised dress code includes the addition of charcoal gray as an acceptable color for tops and bottoms and allows spirit shirts or pullovers of any color with appropriate logo.

The changes are based on the recommendations of the school principals, said Dr. Lee Hicks, superintendent. Hicks said previously the changes incorporated some recommendations by student leaders who were asked to give input in to the policy.

Hicks has advocated the wearing of school-sponsored spirit shirts or pullovers as a way to build identity and school pride. “To build school spirit, you’ve got to show it,” he said in July. The new policy allows any color shirts or pullovers bearing the school logo.

Other changes include the option for females to wear white or gray bottoms and to leave shirts untucked if they do not pass the pockets of the bottoms.

The new code also allows students to wear open-toe, thick-bottomed strapped sandals (similar in style to Chaco shoes) and sets a three-inch above-the-knee rule for shorts, skirts and jumpers for both males and females.

The policy also specifically prohibits “stretch/skinny/jegging pants,” denim or blue jean pants, holes in pants or jeans, sweat pants or sweatsuits, sheer shirts or blouses, bandanas, facial piercings, flip flops and other sandals and sleeveless tops, among other items. Team warmups will be allowed, if approved by the school administrator.

Board member Mark Salmon questioned if school principals and teachers were comfortable with the new guidelines and their ability to enforce the policies.

“I want to make sure they are comfortable in enforcing that.”

“The school principals all support this,” Hicks answered.

The changes take effect immediately.

Hicks also said the first week of school has been “perhaps the smoothest I’ve had in my 15 years in education,” adding that he complemented the teachers, parents, administrators and students for their efforts to start the year well.

In other business on Monday, the board approved five personnel items including: the resignation of Shelia Deveridge, Troy Elementary secretary; the hiring of Lisa Newswanger, Troy Elementary secretary; the hiring of Jerdie Shannon, Troy Elementary special education aide; and leaves of absence for Brittany Smith, Troy Elementary teacher, and Kerry Hargarten, Troy Elementary computer lab.

Board members also approved the financial report, which included news that sales tax revenues for July were $246,301, a 7.1 percent increase of last year. Sales tax revenues collected year-to-date are $2.2 million, which is below budget forecast but ahead of last year.

As of July 31, the General Fund balance was $2.6 million, or 2.03 months operating reserve, which is under the board-mandated three-month reserve. Forecasts project the reserve will be at 1.1 to 1.5 months operating expense but Sept. 30. “We might be a little better than we thought,” said Mickey Daughtry, CFO.