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An education policy change that some say would let school districts eliminate art, gym and other classes has cleared its first hurdle at the state school board, over some continuing objections.

 

At issue was a rule governing districts' minimum staffing requirements for elementary art, music and physical education teachers, counselors, librarians, nurses, social workers and visiting teachers.

 

A divided board voted 14-5 on Tuesday to approve language that eliminated the mandate that schools must have five of eight of those positions per 1,000 students. Opponents fear the wording change would allow elementary schools to do away with those classes and support staff.

 

Teachers, students and parents have rallied and sent what board members described as "hundreds and hundreds" of emails on the subject.

 

A final vote isn't expected until March.