Reading About Exercise Substituted for Phys Ed

In a vote for brain over brawn, the Pittsfield School Committee has decided to allow high school juniors and seniors to pursue physical education by reading pamphlets about exercise.

But an attorney for the state Education Department says the plan sounds illegal.

The plan would permit juniors and seniors next September to take gym classes once or twice a week or take the Minimum Physical Education option. The option allows students to read an assigned pamphlet every two weeks. No tests, papers or class attendance would be required.