Schools

Board of Education Decides Not to Exempt Athletes from Physical Education

Currently three sport athletes can elect out of gym one day a week in their second year in sports if they are a junior or senior.

The Board of Education decided Thursday night not to exempt athletes from physical education classes.

Currently, three sport athletes in their second, if that is their junior or senior year, may be excused from gym class one day a week.

Board vice president Jack Lyness, who is also chair of the education committee, reported that Athletic Director Mike Sandor, Principal Paul Sears and Superintendent Dr. Nathan Parker all were not in favor of exempting athletes entirely.

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Fives reasons were given:

  1. Sports do not provide the same content as the physical education curriculum
  2. Daily participation in physical education helps students develop social skills, enhance leadership skills and allow athletes to serve as role models.
  3. Some sports, such as bowling and golf, may not require a smuch physical exertion as other varsity sports.
  4. Logistical problems such as staffing, study halls and marking periods not coinciding with seasons.
  5. It could result in divisions among students.

"It's, I believe the reccomendation of the education committee, it's my reccomendation, that we let this pass for the time being," Lyness said.

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