A stricter dress policy for the staff of Sharon schools is a precursor to one for students, Superintendent John Sarandrea said.

“We’re bumping it up a notch,” Sarandrea said. “The staff are setting the table for what’s coming for students.”

The district isn’t talking about uniforms, Sarandrea said. But they’re looking to move the requirements up a level from the current dress code, he said.

The new staff policy limits attire considered to be too casual for school, Sarandrea said.

“We’re excited about it,” he said.

Male staff will be required to wear a necktie and dress pants, with a few exceptions, and women will have to wear a dress, blouse or sweater and a skirt or pants of appropriate length and fit. Women are also barred from wearing tops with plunging necklines.

Jeans may be worn only on special days, and cargo pants are not acceptable. Men can opt to wear a dress sweater over a collared shirt, a turtleneck or another dress shirt under a sport coat instead of a tie. Jackets may be removed in the classroom and teachers of certain subjects, including art and shop, will be given protective smocks to wear over their clothes.

Dress shoes are required, and footwear should be clean and in good condition. Flip-flops are banned.

Staff must also remove any piercings while at school. The policy specifically mentions tongue, nose, lip, eyebrow and gauge earrings. Sarandrea said piercings haven’t been an issue, but the rule has never been articulated before.

Casual clothing may be worn on special occasions, such as in-service days, field trips or dress-down days.

The school board approved a first reading of the new staff dress and grooming policy Monday and will likely make it final at Monday’s meeting, Sarandrea said.

A committee worked for a year to develop the policy and Sarandrea said that next school year will see a similar process for a student code that will likely go into effect in 2009-10.

Sarandrea said a committee of students, parents, teachers and community members will spend next year developing the students’ new dress code. He said there will be research, fashion shows and meetings with local merchants.

The staff policy applies to professional and temporary staff members, nurses, substitute and student teachers and adults working in the school, such as wraparounds and mobile therapists.

Infractions will be handled on an individual basis, and disciplinary actions may include discussion with supervisor, warning, suspension without pay or termination.