Students and community ask board to allow marching band to satisfy PE credit

At the board’s May 18 public forum, community members and students urged the Newberry County Board of Trustees to let marching band count toward students’ required physical education credit.

Aaron Warren, who identified himself as a graduate and former band officer, asked the board to adopt a district policy permitting marching band as an option for meeting PE requirements, citing South Carolina Bill 302 (2018) and arguing that marching band regularly involves 8–12 hours per week of strenuous physical activity that meets state standards. Warren framed the change as a way to let students continue band participation while pursuing AP and dual‑enrollment opportunities.

Students followed with personal testimony. Sydney Richter, a rising junior and drum major, described directors’ commitment and the program’s role in student leadership and academic success. Student speaker Yandela Porcho said new band director Jackson Farmer had helped restore students’ confidence and noted the program’s recent fifth‑place finish at state marching band championships.

Board members thanked the speakers and noted the request will be examined alongside state requirements and current district policy. No formal policy change was made during the meeting; public comment concluded with the board acknowledging the speakers and inviting them to remain for the rest of the meeting.