State scales back changes to physical education

BOISE – Space, time and money are making it hard for education officials in the state of Idaho to stick with their tough exercise resolutions.

After talking to school principals and others, the Idaho Department of Education reduced its proposed elementary school physical education requirement from 150 minutes to 90 minutes. It reduced its proposed requirement for junior high and middle school from two credits to one credit.

While doctors, parents and others supported the changes, many school officials told the department they didn’t have the resources to make them happen.

Schools Superintendent Marilyn Howard has proposed a budget for the coming fiscal year that includes $5.6 million – $50 a child – to hire more physical education teachers, but there’s no guarantee lawmakers will approve that spending.

“I’m disappointed,” said Rep. Bob Ring, a Nampa Republican.

“I’m not sure the public really understands – I don’t know if they accept the fact that their children are sitting around eating Twinkies and playing video games instead of outside running and jumping and playing.”