Northern Lehigh Cheerleading uniforms deemed inappropriate due to condition

The uniforms currently donned by the Northern Lehigh varsity cheerleading squad have been deemed inappropriate to wear during school hours.

Megan Filchner, cheering adviser, explained the Northern Lehigh varsity and junior varsity cheerleading squads’ dilemma to the school board on Monday.

Filchner told the board that the cheerleaders received their current uniforms in 2016, but due to their condition, are considered not suitable by athletic director Bryan Geist.

“Our uniforms are coming apart,” Filchner said. “They’re deemed inappropriate as far as the dress code.”

Board President Gary Fedorcha asked Filchner how many uniforms would be needed, to which she said about 25 polyester uniforms.

Filchner said the uniforms themselves cost between $70 to $80.

“I think it’s a reasonable request considering you can’t wear them in school,” Fedorcha said. “Certainly we want something that is school approved.”

Superintendent Matthew Link told Filchner she brought the matter up at a good time, as the district is in the midst of working on its budget.

Link said they will sit down with Geist and administration to discuss her concern.

Filchner said the uniforms are ripping at the hems, and fraying in the arms.

She said the squad has about $1,000 a year it can spend on items such as pompoms, megaphones and signs. That money cannot be used to buy new uniforms.

Filchner said there are about 30 to 35 girls who will be a part of the fall program between the varsity and junior varsity squads.

“We do not have enough uniforms to fit both teams,” she said.

As for the current uniforms, Filchner said the girls are allowed to wear them to sporting events, pep rallies and inside school.

However, they are not allowed to wear them during school.