March 5, 2005

Dorothy Winchester
Director of Program Development
Indiana State Department of Education
State House
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Dr. Winchester:

The health of Indiana children has never been more at risk. Physical Education and Health Education teachers play a vital role in the health and well-being of our children. However, these 3,900 teachers do not have a consultant representing their area within the Indiana Department of Education. The position of Physical Education and Health Education consultant has been unoccupied for two years, since Suzanne Crouch vacated this position to become the Director of The Coordinated School Health Programs. According to Indiana Code Title 20-1.1-7, this position is required by law.

To provide leadership for quality programs, this position is desperately needed. This position is responsible for curriculum development in health and physical education for grades kindergarten through 12, to encourage children to develop healthful living habits, an interest in lifetime health and physical fitness; and decision-making skills in the areas of health and physical fitness. Suzanne Crouch has been acting in this capacity for the past two years (in addition to her full-time position), but she cannot be two places at one time or provide programming in two different areas. I am unaware of any advertising or recruitment to fill this vacancy. I ask that you oversee the fulfillment of this position with a qualified individual by the end of the academic school calendar year so that health and physical education teachers have representation in the Indiana Department of Education.

ADD A FEW SENTENCES HERE…WHAT THE POSTION MEANS TO YOU AND YOUR PROGRAMS OR IAHPERD. Thank you in advance for your timely attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

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