State and Federal Requirements for Local School Wellness Policies:

Local boards of education and school-based decision-making councils determine the curriculum to be used for teaching the Kentucky Academic Standards, the hiring of qualified personnel and the allocation of instructional time.  More information about school-based decision-making councils can be found here.

Section 11 of KRS 160.345 addresses the role of SBDM councils for school wellness policy including the requirement that K-5 schools have a plan for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. KRS 158.856 requires that all school districts annual complete a nutrition and physical activity assessment.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY for KRS 158.856/KRS 160.3455 are as follows:

·     Post a report to the district website about the nutrition and physical activity environments for schools within the district at least 60 days prior to January 31.

·     Discussion of the findings of the nutrition report and physical activity report by each local board and the board seeking public comments during a publicly advertised special board meeting or at the next regularly scheduled board meeting following the release of the nutrition and physical activity reports.

·     By January 31 of each year, the local board of education holding an advertised public forum to present a plan to improve school nutrition and physical activities in the school district.

·     By May 1 of each year, each school district compiling a summary of findings and recommendations and submitting the summary to the KBE.

Advocacy Resources:

KY ESSA Resource Page

Kentucky Recess Guidance: KRS 160.345

FAQ Kentucky PE Credit: Marching Band, ROTC and Extracurricular Sports: KRS 156.160

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