Gym space could pose problem for Woodland

With Woodland Elementary District inching its way toward having to provide daily physical education classes, the possibility of a lack of gymnasium space for younger students has become an issue.

Gurnee-based Woodland District 50 board members addressed the topic of physical education space needs as part of an informal forum Thursday night.

At issue are the gymnasiums at the district's South Campus in Gages Lake. That area on Gages Lake Road east of Hunt Club Road is home to Woodland Elementary East and West and the district's primary school.

Elementary East and West each have a gym. There is another gymnasium across the street at the primary building.

District 50 has been receiving a waiver from the state from providing daily PE to all students. However, officials said space is expected to be an issue by August 2012, when Woodland will be required to have daily PE for grades kindergarten through eight.

Lower- and medium-cost options include adjusting schedules to increase gym classes for shorter durations and transporting students to other buildings in Gurnee. On the upper end, construction of new gymnasiums or hiring more staff are the other possibilities.

Board member Larry Gregorash said the South campus gyms still have "relics from Stonehenge." He said while District 50 doesn't immediately have the financial strength to build new gyms, community feedback should help in deciding how to proceed.

"This is a community task," Gregorash said. "It's not my school district. It's not the board's school district."

Gregorash said it's unlikely recess could be applied toward physical education requirements set by the state because of poor weather that hits the Chicago area.

District 50 board President Bruce Bohren said elected officials are expected to provide some direction for administrators late next month.