Board opts to allow exemption for Columbian physical education

Columbian High School students who participate in cheerleading, marching band and sports are to be exempt from their physical education graduation requirement, starting with the class of 2013.

Tuesday evening, the Tiffin City Board of Education voted 3-2 to approve the measure, with Shirley Smith and Jody Strong voting against it.

Chris Widman, board member, said as officials add more to the curriculum, students can take fewer electives, and the exemption creates an option for them.

According to the policy, students in high school who participate in interscholastic athletics, marching band or cheerleading for at least two full seasons would not be required to complete physical education courses to graduate. The students would need to complete a one-half unit in another subject.

The exemption is to begin with the graduating class of 2013, according to the policy.

Strong said she felt the exemption was not in the best interest of all students. As obesity rates increase, the board's responsibility is to promote wellness and physical education, she said.

"I do not support this exemption," she said.

Bill Beaston, who teaches physical education classes at Columbian High School, spoke before the vote. He said he thinks the biggest issue he has with the exemption is the way the legislation is written. It provides students a loophole and a way for people to take advantage of it, he said.

He provided a scenario involving a junior varsity golfer practicing twice a week but still being exempted from a physical education class. He said he wanted to establish a test to determine whether a student should be exempted.

Beaston said he can admit there are people who don't need to take a physical education class because they are active.

"But the way this legislation is written, it's not what's best for kids," he said. "It's not what's best for all."

Board President Dawn Iannantuono said the idea received a lot of parental input. She said it was a tough decision for her, but she is confident administrators did a great deal of research.

In other business, the board:

* Recognized Jane Shepherd for her retirement.

* Recognized Carl Fisher, athletic director, and the cross country, volleyball, girls tennis and football teams.

* Learned the annual chili cook-off and quiz game is to start at 5 p.m. Jan. 13.

* Heard Larry Kisabeth, high school principal, discuss an altered school schedule for the Ohio Graduation Test.

* Heard about the high school curriculum guide; summer school schedule; grade three reading results; kindergarten registration; and an eighth-grade novel titled "Anthem."

* Heard first reading of a recommended new policy and recommended revised board policies.

* Saw Superintendent Donald Coletta present a plaque from the United Veterans Council.

* Approved the treasurer's report.

* Approved student activities statements of purpose.

* Accepted the retirement of Larry Craig.

* Accepted the resignations of Jim Mason, freshman girls basketball, and Alice Kisabeth.

* Approved contracts.

* Accepted a grant and donations.

* Approved revised job descriptions.

* Rescinded an agreement with Bridges Community Academy.

* Set its organizational meeting and budget hearing for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 6 in the middle school's conference room.

* Elected Iannantuono as president pro tem and Widman as vice president pro tem.

* Approved employment of non-licensed individuals with pupil-activity contracts.

* Accepted truck lease quotes of $600 per month, Baumann Automotive Group; $437.55, Coppus Motors; $430.12, Warner Chevrolet; and $349.93, Reineke Family Dealerships.

* Accepted Reineke's quote of $349.93 per month.

* Approved Pacific Life Insurance Co. as an additional 403b provider.

* Learned Columbian teachers Michele Frantz and Jennifer Musgrave became National Board Certified teachers.

* Entered executive session to discuss the employment of personnel.

The next meeting is 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at Tiffin Middle School's cafetorium.