Health Experts Blast Education Board Decision

Health specialists are forecasting a porkier, more slothful Idaho if the Legislature approves the state Board of Education’s move to drop physical education as a high school requirement.

“You’re making a society even lazier than it already is,” said Mike Jorgensen, athletic director for the Bonneville School District. “They are making a big mistake.”

Idaho law now requires high school students to take two years of gym class. But if the Legislature in January approves the new rules adopted by the Board of Education on Thursday, physical education would be optional.

Gym teachers say the new rules could hurt the students that need exercise most.

“There are a lot of kids that unless you force them to exercise, they just won’t do it,” Jorgensen said. “It’s going to have a big impact.”

State Schools Superintendent Anne Fox said dropping physical education will give students more flexibility in choosing other electives, such as humanities, vocationaltechnical education and journalism.

“We addressed health issues by putting health as a requirement,” she said.

Physical therapist Jay Ellis said that is not enough.

“Kids need an activity, a release of energy,” said Ellis, who works with high school sports teams in the area.