The Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Board of Education on May 29 voted 7-0 to remove the phrase "during football season" from the district's policy language that governs physical-education exemptions for ongoing participation in marching band.

The change, proposed as an alignment with model (PRESS) policy language, was intended to give district administrators leeway to write procedures for how and when marching-band participation could substitute for PE credit. Superintendent Mike Locke said the administration needed time to analyze the operational and staffing implications before deciding how to implement exemptions.

"My thoughts are consistent with how I spoke here ... I've heard from a lot of parents and students about things we need to consider in our music program," Superintendent Mike Locke said, adding that the district needs to define clear goals before making structural changes.

Board members debated how to balance music-program goals, student access and staffing. Member Mary Fisher cautioned against piecemeal changes. "I'm concerned about this potential slippery slope of granting exemption exceptions here," Fisher said, arguing for a more holistic review before broad exemptions are implemented.

Members who supported the edit said removing the football-season phrasing corrects what they described as an odd tie of music programs to athletics and allows administrators to develop a semester-based approach if warranted. The board indicated a preference among some members for a one-semester exemption to be considered for the 2026–27 school year while giving administration time to operationalize the policy.

The board's action changes only the policy text; it does not itself grant exemptions to students. Administration was directed to draft administrative procedures, staffing plans and implementation details and to return with recommendations that align with the revised policy language.

The vote to strike the three words was recorded as: motion by Member Waters, second by Member Fisher, roll call 7-0. The board also discussed the need for a broader review of the music program and course scheduling to ensure any policy change would not create unintended scheduling or equity issues.

What happens next: administration will prepare procedures and an implementation plan for the board to review; no district-wide exemptions were granted at the May 29 meeting.