Board OKs Marching-Band PE Waiver after Lengthy Debate and Public Comment

The Clarkston Board of Education voted to allow two seasons of marching band or winter guard to count as one half-credit physical education elective, approving the change after presentations from staff, a close Teaching & Learning Council (TLC) recommendation and more than a dozen public speakers.

The measure passed after a motion to approve "two years of marching band to count as the equivalent of one half credit of a physical education elective as presented." Board members voted by voice; a minority opposed the change.

Supporters told the board marching band requires sustained physical activity and that the waiver would ease scheduling conflicts for students who take rigorous academic loads. Mike Lewis, Clarkston band director, said marching-band participants average roughly 216 hours per season in rehearsals and performances and that two seasons of participation would free students to fit AP and other electives into their schedules. "This proposal would make it easier for the students to fit in everything in their schedule over…