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Board reviews split of wellness, recess and nutrition policies; procedure would require 30 minutes of elementary recess
Summary
Trustees reviewed a set of reorganized policies splitting wellness, nutrition and physical-education topics into distinct policies and procedures. Staff said the new recess procedure requires a minimum of 30 minutes per elementary student per day and discourages withholding recess as discipline except for immediate-safety concerns.
The Franklin Pierce School Board spent a sizable portion of the meeting reviewing a package of policy changes that split an earlier, broad policy into focused policies on nutrition (6700), physical education and health (21-24), recess and physical activity (6701) and a comprehensive wellness policy (670).
Deputy Superintendent Hester and other staff explained that the reorganization is intended to make policy and procedures easier to administer and more transparent for state reviews. "One of the key things here I think to the board is that all elementary schools are required to receive a minimum of 30 minutes per day of recess," Hester said, and staff emphasized the district has already exceeded that minimum in practice.
The new procedure also discourages withholding recess as a disciplinary measure except when a student’s participation would pose an immediate threat to safety. Trustees praised the emphasis on active transport and the district’s reinstatement of certificated PE teachers at elementary schools.
Why it matters: codifying minimum daily recess and discouraging its removal as punishment is intended to protect student wellness and ensure consistent practice across schools. The policy split also clarifies which administrative series govern instruction versus management functions.
Outcome: the board reviewed and discussed the policies and accompanying procedures; staff will circulate final language and next steps for formal adoption as required by board policy.
