Stafford, Va. –– After what was Gov. Robert F. McDonnell’s first veto as governor yesterday, students in Virginia’s public schools will not be required to have 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
A bill that passed the legislature would have required such a rule, but the mandate did not provide a funding source for the additional physical education.
That’s why McDonnell vetoed the bill, telling reporters Richmond doesn’t always know best when it comes to funding decisions for local school districts.
Already on the chopping block at Stafford County Public Schools are 56 positions because of a lighter budget this year. Not having to take additional money to fund more P.E. will help the school system’s overall beleaguered budget crisis.
“In my experience, there is a relationship between the schools and at home when it comes to fitness and children being active. We have our responsibilities in the schools and have recess, we have P.E. Is it enough, probably not? Could we do more with more staff and funds? Sure,” said Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Randy Bridges.
Bridges recognizes child obesity problem in the U.S., added children should be more physically active outside of the five to seven hours they spend in school each day.
While cutting positions is still a reality for the school system, gone now is the possibility of mandatory one-day furloughs for county school employees.
An additional $1 million budget windfall from the Stafford County Board of Supervisors to the school system prevented the furloughs.
“We still have some painful things coming our way that will impact the way we do business, and are still planning to cut some central office positions,” said Bridges
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