Senate Education Committee Approves Bills to Increase Academic Opportunities for Students

HARRISBURG – The Senate Education Committee voted today to approve a bill to allow participation in a sport to satisfy a physical education requirement and a bill to allow students to continue attending school while residency disputes are resolved, according to Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), the chair of the committee.

“These bills will both allow students to focus on learning and preparing for their future careers,” said Argall. “Today’s voting meeting continues the important work of this committee to improve our education system.”

Senate Bill 454, sponsored by Sen. Cris Dush (R-Jefferson), would allow students to choose to substitute participation in a sport for their physical education requirement. According to Dush, this bill is intended to free up more time for students to pursue additional academic opportunities, including taking additional classes.

House Bill 663, sponsored by Rep. Jeanne McNeill (D-Lehigh), would require that students continue to attend school while they are the subject of a school district residency dispute. Currently, students can be removed from their school while these issues are resolved, causing significant learning loss. It was approved with unanimous support in the House of Representatives.

Both bills now advance to the full Senate for consideration.

CONTACT: Jim Brugger, 717-787-2637

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