HENRICO, VA- Henrico County Public Schools are pushing to make students hit the books before they hit the field, proposing the implementation of a minimum grade point average for student-athletes.
School officials are moving forward with a plan to require athletes to maintain a 2.0 minimum GPA. Currently, Henrico student-athletes adhere to the Virginia High School League's requirements of taking and passing five subjects.
"I'm surprised we haven't already been doing that, as a way for encouraging people to have good grades," Henrico County student-Athlete Olivia Faraone said.
Henrico County School officials first proposed the minimum requirement in early January, but now, they're working to bump up the proposed implementation date.
Instead of starting the requirement in the fall 2016, school officials now want to start a trial period this coming school year. Under the new proposal, the minimum GPA would become official the following school year, in 2014.
"There's a side that says we should hold all students to this high standard, on the other side, we're hearing from some parents athletes and coaches who want us to understand how hard it is to meet a certain requirement," Andy Jenks, Henrico County School spokesperson said.
"I think it's very important for Henrico to incorporate a minimum GPA, because school is the most important thing," said Henrico County student-Athlete Katie Monica.
"We are at school to get good grades, sports are important too, but they're not the most important thing."
Henrico County Schools could extend the requirement to all extracurricular activities. They hope to vote on the new rule in February.
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Copyright 2013 by Young Broadcasting of Richmond
