Richard Simmons Can't Stop P.E., Recess Cuts

Fitness guru posts video plea to Internet

A personal plea from Richard Simmons wasn't enough to stop a suburban school district from filing a two-year extention to its current physical education waiver.

"I'm asking you, begging you, to reconsider the time that the children have for their recess and their P.E. I've been doing this for a long time, and not only does it make you feel good, it makes your brain work," the fitness guru says in an Internet video with people working out to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" behind him.

The Palatine Township Elementary District 15 school board on Tuesday voted unanimously to file for a two-year extension.  The current waiver expires after the 2011-12 school year.

Illinois schools are required to provide daily physical education for students in kindergarten through grade 12, but the Community Consolidated School District 15 for the last several years have filed waivers citing a lack of space at the schools.

"I truly believe that a kid who moves is a kid who learns," Simmons said.

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