Fit teachers

The Jackson School District has implemented a wellness program aimed at keeping teachers healthy.

With attendance being so closely tied to school funding as well as the potential for academic success that comes with being in class every day, much emphasis has been placed on student health in recent years, but it's good to see Jackson's approach to teacher health, too.

The district is offering exercise classes for $3. The classes target teachers who cannot afford gym memberships and are aimed at reducing stress levels, which can lead to all sorts of negative health effects. A Canadian study has suggested stress costs school districts billions of dollars through turnover and disability claims.

In addition to the classes, which include kickboxing and Pilates, the district is also offering wellness screenings for teachers in October that test cholesterol, body fat and blood pressure.

It's good teachers will have an opportunity to unload some stress via exercise. The bottom line, though, is the bottom line. If these programs do indeed cut down on insurance and turnover costs for the district, then taxpayers, and ultimately students, will benefit as well.