When the doors opened for the first day in Col. Falls 1996-97 school year, there were new rules about school clothes.
But it wasn't the students who had to abide by a new dress code. Although the kids can't wear hats or coats, it was the staff that was hardest hit.
All staff members in School District 6 are now under orders to look more professional.
"We don't really have a 'dress code'," said high school principal William Anderson. "We have a minimal professional attire."
That means no jeans, collarless shirts, or sundresses. Pants must be of the colored cotton variety (i.e. Dockers) and shorts are permitted, if they are an appropriate length.
"You (can) pretty much wear everything," Anderson said. "It's pretty liberal."
However, some staff members may disagree.
There has been some concern about violations of staff members' personal lives. Some feel that their attire is a reflection of their personal taste, and should not be controlled by the school district.
"There is a definite dress code," said Trudi Shjeflo, Columbia Falls building representative for the M.E.A. teacher's organization. "It tells us we need to be clean. Our clothes must fit well, not be threadbare, be pressed, and not sexually explicit."
"(However), you never quite know how it will be interpreted," added Shjeflo.
For Shjeflo, the biggest issue is the lack of communication.
"There is no network between the teachers and administration who drew up this dress code," she said.
The initial policy, which went into effect shortly after school adjourned last year, was cancelled.
Under that policy women had to wear nylons and they couldn't wear sleeveless shirts, but men could.
Shjeflo found the former policy "sexist and gender discriminating."
The teachers met with the superintendent earlier in the summer to modify the earlier dress standards.
However, some are still angry.
"I don't know if dressing more professionally makes a person more professional," Shjeflo said.
"If you want people to look professional, you want them to be physically and mentally well too.
Maybe they should consider some other issues."
Said Shjeflo:
"Intentions were good, but it's become more of an issue than it should have."