Board approves new director of physical education and health position

The Newburgh Enlarged City School District approved a new K–12 Director of Physical Education and Health position (agenda item 5.7) at the July 31 special meeting. The board voted in favor during roll call after a discussion explaining the role.
District staff presented the position as a response to increased curricular and compliance demands in physical education and athletics. The superintendent’s office and curriculum staff said the single position previously carrying both athletics and PE-health functions had become overburdened; the new role is intended to focus on K–12 curriculum development, professional development for PE teachers, safety and equipment inspections, concussion and CPR compliance, and risk-management responsibilities.
Superintendent and curriculum staff described recent growth in athletics (including Unified Sports and new teams) and expanded New York State Education Department requirements as reasons to separate the responsibilities: "When we think about the K to 12 volume of work ... it was being neglected. So having this position ... will oversee curriculum and instruction development across all grade levels," a district administrator said. The board discussed reporting lines and confirmed the goal is to separate the curricular/health duties from the athletic-director duties so each area receives focused oversight.
The motion to approve the position passed by roll-call vote. Board members asked whether the two positions would work collaboratively; staff said the roles will be separate but work together as appropriate. The board approved the item with an affirmative roll call recorded in the meeting transcript.