Athletes Could Swap Out Phy Ed Under Proposed Change

The Oak Creek-Franklin School Board is mulling a change that would allow high school athletes to substitute a physical education course for a core-subject class.

Under the proposal, a high school student who actively participates for a full season in a WIAA-recognized sport could, one time only, forgo a half-credit phy-ed class and pick up a half-credit class in English, social studies, science, math or health education.

The change, which only recently became permissible under state law, was suggested by a parent who said it would give student-athletes flexibility to add more core classes into their schedule and build their college resume.

However, Oak Creek High School physical education teachers oppose the change, saying P.E. isn't just about exercise and builds many skills in students.

It would also create a lot of gray area, teacher Joel Paar said. For example, golf team practices aren't the same as cross country runners', and senior athletes have different expectations than freshmen.

"If you make the decision to go forward on this, please be cognizant there are many challenges (to) make this correct," Paar told the board Monday.

School Board members, who could vote on the proposal in May, were also hesitant.

"I understand where there's students who want to take more classes," School Board member Sheryl Cerniglia said. "But you can't do anything if you don't have your health."

Still, officials acknowledged that some students who are active in band and sports have trouble fitting core classes into their schedule.

One solution could be better advertising of the summer phy-ed classes the high school offers, Superintendent Sara Burmeister said, which also give students flexibility in their school schedules.