DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — In DeKalb County, parents believe the 15 minutes of recess their children are getting is not enough. More than 2,200 people signed a petition pushing the district for more time.

About a dozen people spoke out at Monday night's school board meeting. They're pushing the school board to mandate 30 minutes of recess in elementary schools.

"Recess is not a luxury it’s a developmental necessity," said parent Daniela Hazelwood.

In an email sent to parents Friday, DeKalb County schools said it recognizes the importance of unstructured physical activity. The district said since 2009, its policy is at least 15 minutes of recess, and this year a few schools that had longer recess now have shorter ones to "accommodate strategic targeted priorities."

During public comment, pare

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