DAYTON, Ohio - The Dayton school board is considering a proposal that would allow varsity athletes to waive their gym requirement for graduation, according to officials.

The state of Ohio currently requires at least one year of physical education for all high school students. Some school districts, such as Centerville and Kettering, have dropped that requirement after an amendment passed in 2007 allows districts to waive the class for students who participate in interscholastic athletics, marching band, or cheerleading for at least two full seasons.

Proponents of the change argue that time spent in practice and games or competitions is far more than a 45-minute gym class, and is much more beneficial to the students' overall health. Additionally, removing the gym class would allow for another academic class to be added to the students' schedule.

Opponents of the plan counter that gym class is more than just exercise. Physical education encompasses a variety of beneficial elements, like nutrition and lifetime sports, that some students would miss should the requirement be dropped.

The school board will hear public comments on the issue at a special meeting on Monday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. at 115 Ludlow Street.