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Seymour board adopts revised PE makeup policy after debate over written assignments
Summary
The Seymour School District Board of Education voted to adopt a revised physical-education makeup policy for grades 6–12 (policy 6163.5) after public comment and extended board questioning over whether written makeup work would unfairly penalize some students; the board said it will monitor implementation and revisit the policy if problems arise.
The Seymour School District Board of Education voted to adopt a revised policy (6163.5) addressing makeup work for physical education for grades 6–12 following extended discussion about how written assignments would be used.
A parent who spoke during public comment urged the board to limit or eliminate written makeup assignments, saying they can create a “double penalty” for students who are strong in physical activity but weaker writers. The parent recommended removing written work as a standard make-up option and reserving it for long-term absences or medical exemptions.
Board members and staff debated several operational details, including whether the rule treats students who are suspended or medically excused differently and whether allowing teacher discretion risks inconsistent application across classrooms. One board member asked whether a medically excused student who misses an entire semester could be required to re‑register for a PE credit; another questioned how the policy affects graduation requirements for high school students.
Superintendent and staff representatives said the revision applies to grades 6–12 and that teachers will have discretion to require either a written assignment or a physical activity as makeup, depending on the curriculum and the missed standards. “If this doesn’t work, we’re gonna bring it back to the board and make further revisions,” a district official said when members voiced concerns about fairness and implementation.
Board debate highlighted the difference between in‑school suspensions (for which students would still make up the work) and medical excusals (which may require different handling). One commenter criticized that approach bluntly, asking rhetorically, “If you broke your leg… too bad for you,” underscoring why some residents sought clearer language for medically excused absences.
A motion to accept and adopt the revised policy was made and seconded. The transcript records the motion as passing (meeting record: "Motion passed to be 1 0"). The board did not include a detailed roll-call tally in the discussion record available in the transcript; several members said they expect to monitor outcomes and return to the policy committee if needed.
The policy change will be implemented for the coming school year for grades 6–12; the board directed staff to track how the new makeup process is applied and report back if inconsistencies or equity concerns arise.
