Student fitness report raises questions

    PENN YAN—Physical education teacher Kiki Seago said, “Forty percent of all district students are not at a healthy weight.” Seago spoke to the Penn Yan Central School District board of education Wednesday, May 24. Seago outlined information on student fitness and weight for the group. Seago said she was a little surprised with the obesity results for elementary school students. Twenty-five percent were determined to be obese. Seago called the results a potential red flag and a concern.
    The results for middle school students was 22 percent and high school students, 20 percent obese. Just over 59 percent are at what is considered a healthy weight. Nearly four percent are underweight and 14.5 percent are overweight.
    The Cooper FitnessGram is used in the Penn Yan district. Body Mass Index (BMI), cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility are all measured. Students get a confidential report of the results. Seago said the test has nothing to do with sports. It is all health related. Seago said aerobic fitness is related to academic learning. She said, “By the time they graduate they should be able to design their own fitness program. We need to move into the 21st century and have a program for everyone.”
    In other business: The board formalized the elimination of several positions. The jobs that were eliminated were cut during the preparation of the 2011-12 school district budget. The reasons given are for economy and efficiency. Termination of some positions was not necessary due to retirements, resignations or short-term appointments. Of a total of 20 full-time equivalents, seven teachers were terminated and placed on a preferred eligibility list for vacancies in the same tenure area and position which they held prior to their positions being cut. Also eliminated were the two full time equivalent and three .5 time support staff. All terminations are effective June 30.
    • Elementary school assistant principal Warren Kinsey reported for the Code of Conduct Committee. Guidelines on disorderly and disruptive behavior are adjusted each year. Use of wireless communication devices was also covered. Kinsey said, “Technology is changing.”
    • Interim Superintendent Thomas Cox reported work on modifications on the school calendar will be on the agenda of the next meeting of the board of education. New York State is cutting January Regents tests and this will affect instruction. Cox said full days of instruction will be expected during January Regents week. Discussion of end of course exams will need to take place.
    • Board member Anita Maroscher reported on grants the district has applied for. A $600,000 Wellness grant was approved but is currently unfunded. Information about funding will be available in September.
    • Board member Loni Terpolilli commented on the current honor roll. She said, “More than half of the senior class is on it. I commend the teachers and the students.”
    The next meeting of the Penn Yan Central School District board of education will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8 in the elementary school cafeteria.