Some Warren Harding High School students may no longer be required to take part in a physical education class.
The Board of Education on Wednesday voted to adopt a new policy that will allow students who participate in athletics to skip the physical education classes needed to graduate. The waiver also would apply to those students taking part in marching band as well as cheerleaders.
School officials said the physical education waiver will allow students to spend more time on academics.
"We are looking at our ACT scores. We are looking at our overall achievement. The fact our district is in academic watch is not acceptable and we are interested in every avenue we can take to provide students an opportunity to take as many classes as they can," said Melissa Watson, executive director of teaching and learning for the school district. "We heard from parents in our community that they would like this as an option for their children. It is not an attempt to diminish the positive effects of physical education, but we are in an academic situation where our kids need as many opportunities as they can get."
School officials said they do not anticipate any staff reductions because of the waiver.
