The Washington Township Board of Education is considering cutting two or three physical education teaching positions and reducing the number of days it offers gym classes to high school students, in an effort to manage costs.
About 50 teachers went to Monday's school board meeting to protest the plan. They said the proposal would adversely affect at-risk and struggling students and increase already large class sizes.
Most high school students take physical education four days a week and have a science lab the fifth day. That day, teachers said, is important for students who need more attention.
Teachers also cited research showing that physical activity improves academic performance.
School board officials say the schools would still meet New Jersey's requirement that they provide 150 minutes of health, safety, and physical education per week for grades 1-12.
The board will vote on the budget next week.
Contact Andrew Seidman at 856-779-3846,
aseidman@phillynews.com, or @AndrewSeidman on Twitter.
