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CHSD 128 moves to standardize PE exemptions and stop using fitness-test outputs for grades after review
Summary
Administration proposed a unified PE exemption process for athletes and updated administrative guidance for non-athletic waivers; Vernon Hills will stop using fitness-test scores and heart-rate monitor output as part of course grades and the district will notify families about grade-review options.
Board members and administrators discussed proposed changes to the district’s PE exemption process and grading practices after a review found certain Vernon Hills grading practices were out of alignment with state guidance.
Administration presented three principal recommendations: create a single district-wide athletic exemption process with consistent return-to-class dates (two per season to accommodate sports with earlier end dates), standardize administrative guidance and forms for non-athletic PE waiver requests, and stop using fitness-test results and heart-rate monitor output as graded evidence at Vernon Hills.
Tom Kentes (administration) said the district plans two “return to class” dates in fall and winter to reduce confusion and allow teachers to plan for all exempted students returning at the same time; he said spring athletes will generally not return to PE because many seasons extend past the school year. Kentes also said Vernon Hills had used fitness-testing outcomes as part of growth measures for about a decade, but that state guidance requires participation rather than tying raw physiological output to grades. As a consequence, heart-rate monitor results will still be used as a learning tool but not for scoring.
Andy Young (Vernon Hills principal) described steps to notify families and offered a process for affected students to request grade reviews; families were told they would receive a communication with remediation and review steps. Board members pressed for a proactive approach: several asked administration to run a systematic review of current grades potentially affected and to notify families where an automatic recalculation would raise or change a final grade.
Board action and next steps: administration said updated guidelines and the standardized process will be shared with students, families and staff prior to next school year; administrators will consult legal and finalize implementation timing. The board asked administration to report back with any required corrective grade changes and to confirm the appeal/review process for affected students.
