The Muhlenberg County Board of Education on its October agenda adopted a revised district wellness policy that tightens nutrition and physical activity goals and clarifies disciplinary limits.

The policy revision, presented by Ms. Denley, will move the district from broad “ideas” toward specific, measurable goals for nutrition promotion, physical activity and other wellness priorities. Denley said the district worked with community partners including Baptist Health and named Katie Elkins for her help developing the policy.

The revised policy includes two specific prohibitions the board highlighted: the district “prohibits the use of physical activity as punishment,” and the district “prohibits withholding physical activity for a student to make up work,” both stated as restrictions during the school day.

Denley emphasized existing community partnerships with the UK Extension office, the local hospital and other community providers in supporting the wellness plan. She told the board that seven district schools that could apply had already received national recognition for having strong wellness policies in 2024.

The board approved the revised policy by voice vote with no opposition recorded in the transcript. The district will provide the updated policy to school principals and the SBDM councils for any needed local policy alignment.