Vice President Cara Robertson opened the July 25 Pine Bush school board meeting by asking Amy Brockner, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, to discuss changes to the district’s code of conduct.

Brockner started with the section on Sexual Orientation. The committee recommended changing the terms heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality to actual or perceived sexuality to be more inclusive.

She next addressed dress code. The committee recommended more specific language to develop rules that are enforceable and equitable. The committee also sought language to protect chrome devices.

The board approved the recommended changes.

Brockner later added that she is working on suicide prevention and will soon have a draft for the board to consider adding to the School Safety Plan.

Joseph Lenz, Assistant Superintendent for Business, reported that work on playing fields is progressing on time. Superintendent Brian Dunn suggested that the district should choose a name for the “back field.”

Dunn reported that he wants the district to improve civility, which he said has declined everywhere in the country due to COVID. He wants to raise standards to build community and help students perform better.

The district resolved the problems with sound and closed captioning that occurred during the June 23 meeting. The board will next meet on August 15. The board is planning a September 26 retreat.