The Pine Bush school board gathered at the high school to dedicate the new athletic turf field as Alumni Field at its September 12 meeting.

The board passed a motion to name the field to celebrate all Pine Bush athletes rather than one particular athlete. Board president Gretchen Meier thanked all those involved in the process that began before the outbreak of COVID.

Mike Gillespie, Director of Physical Education, led the brief dedication ceremony. He called upon the Concert Chorus to sing the alma mater. District Superintendent Brian Dunn singled out Joseph Lenz, Assistant Superintendent for Business, for his vision in leading the project to fruition.

Sara Holden, one of the captains of the girls soccer team, offered her thanks to the board and district officials for their support of the athletic program.

Holden, Meier and Gillespie each took a pair of scissors and cut the ribbon, officially naming the field. The girls soccer team then ran through an arch of blue and gold balloons. The girls had the honor of being the first team to play on the field immediately following the ceremony.

The board paused its meeting and reconvened at approximately 7 p.m. in the high school. The board re-elected Cara Robertson as vice president.

Andre Spinelli, coordinator of the district’s summer school program, reported that fewer than 10 of the 76 students enrolled dropped out. He noted that the district offered transportation for the first time. His recommendations included continuing reinforcement of having students who fail a course enroll in summer school.

Lenz gave a report on transportation and acknowledged that there have been problems with students arriving home as much as an hour late. He said that the district has hired a new bus company, which is getting to know Pine Bush; delays have a “domino effect” and lead to further delays. He mentioned the need to continue to communicate with parents. He said that delays have been shortened. He also mentioned there has been a national shortage of bus drivers.

In his report, Dunn followed up on the district’s efforts for community engagements. He said the board met with organizations during the summer. He noted that the district is trying to improve its five percent voting rate.

The board will hold its next meeting at 7 p.m. on September 26 at the Circleville Middle School.