GALION, Ohio — Galion’s Learning Readiness Physical Education program raised some eyebrows at Thursday evening’s regular board of education meeting.
Intermediate and Primary PE teacher Matt Tyrrell presented the board with a status update on the newly implemented program, which is currently undergoing a trial session for all Galion fifth grade classes.
“We wanted to see if would be something worth pursuing for the whole school,” said board president Jennifer Kuns.
Tyrrell cited examples of children’s enthusiasm for the program, which interrupts class time for light physical activity. Some activities include jumping-jacks and exercising with six, eight and 10 pound specially designed bar-bells.
“And I got to hand it to the teachers, they have been really supportive,” said Tyrrell.
The program was founded and designed in part by former PE teacher Paul Zientarski. According to Zientarski’s TEDx talk, he noticed that physical education programs in schools across the nation were being cut, so he and a team of educators developed the LRPE program.
The program has been studied by Harvard researchers and schools from all the world, according to Zientarski.
Board member Dennis Long acknowledged that the program takes time out of teaching, but that the physical activity is made up by less time spent reprimanding students who misbehave because of the lack of physical activity.
Tyrrell said he would like to see LRPE become available to the whole school district, once certain logistics are adjusted.
Forecast
The board approved the school district’s five-year forecast, which included state shares from Core Funding.
Treasurer Charlene Parkinson said she will work with Superintendent James Grubbs in the coming weeks to identify a staffing strategy that aligns with the state’s funding.
Other activity
The board approved a 12-month contract with Rock Solid Media LLC, which includes the hiring of school district public relations officer Chris Stone.
On Friday, Oct. 9, Galion City School District confirmed an isolated bed bug case at Galion Intermediate School. Galion City Health Department hired a state-licensed exterminator on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
“He was at careers day and I told him there was another thing we had to deal with first,” said Grubbs. “He handled it quickly and professionally.”
The board also approved a trip to Washington D.C. for Galion eighth graders.
“Some of these students have never been out of Galion,” said Kuns. “So this is a good opportunity for them.” Kuns explained that the public can support the trip financially by donating to the trip’s GoFundMe website.
Galion’s next board of education meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m.
