UNION TOWNSHIP | The Union Township School Corp. board grappled with policies relating to athletic participation and fairness in class rankings on Wednesday.

The board approved on first reading a policy outlining after-school study sessions for student athletes with a D or F in classes. The policy includes steps for such students to work their way back to good academic standing. If a student does not attend the thrice-weekly sessions with a teacher in the particular subject area, he or she will not be allowed to compete in games.

Randy Stelter, the Wheeler High School athletic director, who led the drafting of the document, said it was important to have the "carrot" of sports to motivate students, but said there must be intervention if grades are not maintained.

Board member Mike Jessen praised the efforts of teachers and coaches to support students.

The board also heard suggestions for changes in the way grade point averages are figured.

Currently, a student can achieve a higher GPA by taking study halls rather than a class in some cases. Board and audience members expressed concern that students could "work the system" to achieve a better ranking than a harder-working student.

Wheeler High Principal Don Gandy, who heads a committee on the issue, said adding "quality points" to classes has been considered to neutralize the advantage of study halls.

But, several people pointed out, some students are unwillingly forced into study halls because of scheduling and staffing constraints. To penalize them would be unfair, they said.

Board President Terry Boehlke said there was a consensus to change the current process.