State budget cuts could impact physical education programs

FLORENCE- The budget currently under debate in the SC House of Representatives could dramatically alter physical education programs in schools across the state.

The $5.2 billion spending plan includes a 15 percent reduction in funding for physical education programs, which, along with cuts to guidance counseling programs, would amount to nearly a $12 million loss in total funding.

While many local districts would have the opportunity to try and make up for the losses, many are already running large deficits and are once again considering the possibility of consolidations and layoffs.

The funding cuts are in stark contrast to years of efforts both on a federal and state level to fight childhood obesity and some are concerned that the measure could end up hurting children in the long run.

Kevin Allen has been teaching physical education to students at Royall Elementary School in Florence for the past 33 years and has strived to ensure that his students receive proper physical education in a time when many districts have made it less and less of a priority.

"I think here in Florence District One, we're really trying to push the Healthy Schools Program...We're on a block schedule and we see kids 10 days in a row and they retain a little bit more than they would having PE one week and then having it again one day the next week," Allen said.

Allen said Royall has continued to make physical education a top priority, especially in light of the rising rates of childhood obesity.

He said that he fears that a dramatic state funding decrease could potentially end up hurting children across the state by lowering their ability to have access to physical education.

"Going back to obesity and diabetes, you see it," Allen said.

"I think you start targeting it now, at this age and it might make a difference later on," he said.

Those who work with children on a daily basis tend to agree, including those who provide them with physical education in programs that are not funded through the state education system.

Megan Patterson is the Childcare Director at the Florence Family YMCA and said that physical activity and education is a cornerstone of their daily routine.

"Physical education for the children is so important," Patterson said.

"Learning to eat healthy, make healthy choices and get the physical exercise they need...children need at least an hour-and-a-half to two hours of play a day," she said.

Patterson said she feels that many children only receive physical exercise and education in a school environment and worries that cuts in funding could be especially hurtful in a digital age where many children are more concerned with the internet and video games than outdoor activity.

"I think it's very detrimental," Patterson said of the proposed funding cuts.

"Children need to learn how to eat healthy and make good decisions and play and be active. Without that, we're just going to increase the obesity in children in our families and communities," she said.

While the proposed cuts could potentially negatively impact physical education and guidance programs, budget writers set aside extra funding for charter school programs.

The overall budget for the Department of Education is expected to grow by $87.6 million, with $25 million of that going specifically to expand charter school programs.