NORTH ATTLEBORO - Underclassmen will be taking fewer physical education classes this fall, in a change reluctantly adopted by the school committee due to budget cuts.

From now on, students in the ninth and tenth grades will be required to take physical education classes three days a week for one semester. Previously, underclassmen took gym classes five days per week.

Upperclassmen will continue to take physical education classes two days a week. All grade levels will still be required to take a semester of physical education each year.

"When I first heard this I was totally against it," said school committee member William Kummer. "But we have to change the graduation policy because we don't have the teachers. My question is what's going to change next? Are we going to change the history requirement from four years to three years because we can't afford to give them a teacher?"

Kummer made a plea to those watching the televised meeting to support the school department when it requests funds in the future. "I feel like the little Dutch boy with his finger in the dyke and there's more leaks coming," he said.

Smith concurred saying the decision was purely related to staffing. Eight high school teaching positions were eliminated due to budget cuts, including one of four physical education teachers. As a result, the high school no longer has the staff to allow for gym classes five days a week.

"We are reaching a critical point regarding funding for our schools," Smith said. "These are the ramifications. You are right, if the knife has to go any deeper, what will be next?"

Giving a student perspective, senior Sarah Casey said the change might be beneficial if it gives underclassmen additional study periods to catch up on homework.

"Personally, from my standpoint as a student athlete I didn't feel it was necessary to have gym give days a week," Casey said.

School committee Chairman David Manoogian urged residents to consider the ramifications of future cuts when deciding on the school budget in the future.

"Like everything else in life, you get what you pay for," Manoogian said. "Parents have to participate by making up for the loss of physical education classes at home or by stepping up and giving us the money we need."