Study after study conducted in recent years has shown that our country's youth is becoming increasingly overweight and less healthy. This can be attributed, in part, to an overall trend in which kids are less active, content to watch television and play video games rather than play and exercise. Our public schools can and should play a role in reversing that trend. Through physical education classes, youngsters can get the exercise they need and at an early age learn the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately for some school districts, like Frazier, physical education and other life-enriching programs are sacrificed in order to balance budgets. A group of parents in the Frazier district hope to change that. Valerie Bubnash, a district parent, recently addressed school directors, asking that they add art and physical education programs at the district's two elementary schools. Bubnash is one of several parents who support the measure. She has begun circulating a petition that will be presented to the board. Petition or not, it only makes sense that physical education and art be part of the standard curriculum at any elementary school. But just because it makes sense doesn't mean it will come to pass. Superintendent Fred Smeigh said that under a state-mandated strategic plan, the district's top priority is remediation, so that the district can meet proficiency standards set by the state's student assessment program. Physical education creates a climate in which youngsters develop an appreciation for maintaining health through activity. Art education fosters a spirit of creativity in young minds, which as the child grows older helps him or her become a better learner. Smeigh said he agreed art and physical education programs are important, but with 70 percent of budget expenditures earmarked for salaries and benefits to district employees, there is no money available to fund the programs. The district could raise taxes to fund the programs. Tina Graft, of Lower Tyrone Township, said she'd be willing to pay extra in order for her kindergartner to have gym and art instruction. Bubnash's petition will indicate how many others feel the same way. The district could also appeal to the state for an increase in subsidy, enough to pay for the needed programs, although such a plea would likely fall on deaf ears. Regardless of how it's done, the district should see that physical education and art classes are implemented at the elementary level. As much as any other subject, they contribute to overall growth and development of young minds and bodies.

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