District to allow asynchronous PE make-ups but will not let varsity sports replace PE, administrators say

Scotia-Glenville Central School District administrators told the Board of Education on Monday that high school students who miss PE will be able to complete asynchronous assignments beginning in September 2026, but that the district will not allow varsity sports to replace PE class.

P. Bednaric, an administrator leading the curricular memo, said the district’s current practice — requiring in-person make-ups — will change “Starting in September, 2026, PE teachers may assign asynchronous work, including a Google form, if a student is absent from PE,” and students “will no longer be required to make up this class in person.” The change is intended to align make-up practice across the high school program, Bednaric said.

The administration also told the board it had reviewed a student proposal to allow interscholastic athletic participation to substitute for PE. Bednaric said the administrative team is not supportive of that proposal because athletics “does not replicate all that is learned in a highly effective PE class,” and because in-school PE is designed to be inclusive and meet New York State standards for physical education.

"PE is inclusive," Bednaric said. "A robust in school PE program ensures that all students, regardless of their athletic ability, have equitable access to physical literacy and well-being." He added that athletics can supplement PE but cannot consistently replicate the breadth of standards-based instruction delivered in a certified PE class.

Board members asked whether absences tied to school-sanctioned activities — such as performances, sporting events or field trips — would still require a make-up. Bednaric said that make-up decisions will be at the PE teacher’s discretion and described a menu of aligned make-up options the PE department and Mr. Rockhill have developed, including fitness activities or community service that map to PE standards.

Separately, the board heard an update on the elementary ELA program: Bednaric said the elementary ELA committee will meet May 18 to outline a comprehensive review plan slated to begin in the fall, with a presentation expected in the spring of the following school year.

The board did not take a formal vote on the PE policy at the meeting; administrators said they will work with students and staff to refine implementation details before bringing policy language back to the board.