A proposal to double time spent by elementary school students in physical activity each week was presented this week to the Glen Lake Board of Education.

Elementary Principal Kim Wright presented to the board at Monday’s monthly meeting plans to bring the curriculum for grade school physical education in closer alignment with the state’s expectations.

Currently, elementary students at Glen Lake receive 40 minutes of physical education instruction a week. The state recommendation is 150 minutes.

“Kim told us that very few schools meet this requirement,” board President Joan Hawley said. “She’s recommended that we revise our curriculum to more closely align with the state benchmarks in this area.”

According to Hawley, the state benchmarks encourage more activity of all children.

“The focus historically has been game-playing,” Hawley said. “The move is toward more fitness activities … possibly reinstating the presidential fitness program where they keep track of their statistics.”

Wright’s proposal calls for an additional 40 minutes of physical fitness activities a week with during the last hour of the day, from 2 to 3 p.m., with classes rotating two to three times a week with 20 minutes of activity. Students would go through various fitness stations that would include a cardiovascular workout, and activities aimed at improving arm and leg strength as well as agility.

The proposal would require the purchase of additional equipment, including tumbling mats, and would also likely require additional staff to monitor the activities or “spot” the students.

No action was taken on the proposal, which will likely be the subject of further review.