Fashionistas in Northampton Area School District, take note: Mark 6:30 p.m. March 25 in Northampton Area High School auditorium on your calendar.

It won't exactly be TV's "Project Runway" with Heidi Klum.

Call it "Project Konkrete Kid."

On March 25, NASD administration officials and the school board will detail the proposed dress code for students K-12.

By consensus, school directors Monday night agreed to the March 25 program, which is expected to include a PowerPoint presentation on dress code options, display of attire, and possibly even a fashion show of students modeling what would be considered appropriate clothing.

NASD Superintendent Joseph Kovalchik said he plans to contact parents next week via email to alert them about March 25 meeting,

The location will be changed from the administration building meeting room to the high school auditorium in anticipation of a large turnout.

Kovalchik said a vote on the school dress code could be on the April 8 or 22 school board agenda.

After the meeting, Kovalchik told The Press that he would like the dress code policy to either be adopted or rejected by the end of April to give parents enough time to plan for students' fall wardrobe.

Next week, Kovalchik expects the eight-page draft policy of the dress code, which the NASD Policy Committee has been working on since last summer, will be posted on the NASD website.

Kovalchik listed several reasons to implement a dress code, including improved safety, lessening disruption of the learning environment, reducing bullying, the school board's personal preference and "Konkrete Kids" pride.

About 15 NASD parents and residents attended the Feb. 11 meeting, where merits and demerits of the dress code were discussed during a 90-minute portion of the nearly three-hour board meeting.

For boys, the dress code would include fold-down collar shirts in solid colors (no stripes or designer logos) in orange, black, white or Navy; pants in tan, blue or black and restrictions on the types and colors of footwear and socks. For example, no argyle socks.

For girls, the dress code would include blouses, skirts and skorts, the latter being a combination skirt and shorts.

The required types of clothing would be bought at most retail clothing stores.

It was noted that approximately $30,000 would be put aside to assist parents who might need financial aid to purchase the required clothing. A stipend for this is not included in the 2013-14 budget, according to NASD Business Administrator Terry Leh.

NASD administrators and board members emphasized to those in attendance the dress code is in the draft stage and could be changed before being adopted by the board – or it may not be adopted at all.

"It's for discussion now," Kovalchik said. "We could proceed or keep the status quo."

Board member Jean Rundle urged fast action on the school dress code. School board Vice President Jane Erdo urged caution, emphasizing public opinion must be sought before the board would bring the matter up for a vote.

Several school board members and district residents in attendance said they aren't convinced as to whether a school dress code would be a good idea or a bad idea.

"I'm on the fence about it," said board member Jennifer Miller, a member of the policy committee.

"Why now?" is how Erdo first responded to the prospect of a new dress policy. Erdo said the new proposal needs to be fully discussed in public, which was done briefly for the first time at the Jan. 31 and more extensively Feb. 11.

"What are the pros of the dress code versus what are the cons?" Erdo asked.

"I haven't heard any negative feedback about the dress code," said Rundle. "The dress code we have just didn't stick."

There was considerable debate as to whether the policy could be put into effect for the 2013-14 school term.

Board member Cory Fenstermaker said the dress code policy should be phased in, possibly over one year.

Several audience members said what the administration is proposing is really a uniform code, as it only allows certain types of clothing.

"You can call it what you want. You have a dress code. This is a uniform," said Kim Milnes.

"It's hard to enforce a dress code," said board member Judy Odenwelder. "This is really a uniform [policy]."

Odenwelder said a dress code would make it easier for teachers and administrators to determine appropriate attire, thus saving teachers and students valuable instruction time.

Board member Dr. Michael Baird recalled when a dress code policy was implemented in the Pleasant Valley School District where he taught.

"The kids adapted. I saw marked improvement," said Baird, a policy committee member.

During the meeting audience comment portion, five audience members spoke.

Stacy Morrow wondered if belts would be required for younger boys.

"I do like that you're giving us color options," she added.

"As a parent, I am totally for this," said Fran Shehab.

Also speaking were Greg Parker and Janice Gober.

Discussion of a dress code brought out hundreds to meetings in 2006-07. The dress policy was tweaked, but uniforms, considered at the time, were not adopted.