In a jam-packed, hour-and-half meeting February 6, the Pine Bush school board learned about the dangers of cell phones for students. Board members also heard about a new effort to deal with alcohol and drugs, the 2024-25 budget, regents results and changes in polling places, among other topics.

Thomas Kersting, author of Disconnected: How to Reconnect Our Digitally Disconnected Kids, talked at length on the dangers of cell phones and social media. He said that cell phones have been presenting a major health epidemic among the nation’s youth since smart phones went mainstream in 2012.

“Too much screen time and social media have been proven to be the culprit behind the anxiety and depression epidemic sweeping through youth,” Kersting said.

The average student is spending nine hours a day on some type of screen. He said this is leading to acquired attention deficit disorder, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideations. He said the already difficult teenage years are worsened as students think that everyone’s life is better than theirs. He said many students are going to bed between 1-4 a.m., unbeknownst to their parents, causing a decline in grades.

Kersting suggested that students get their phones out of their bedrooms. He said they should spend 10-15 minutes a day in silence and develop an attitude of gratitude, wherein they start becoming more powerful. Kersting has talked in the district a number of times, addressing students, parents, administrators and community, as well as the school board.

Mary Alice Kovatch from the Alcohol & Drug Awareness Council spoke next introducing a new program, IMPACT – Improving Mindsets, Policies and Communities Together, which will provide the district with more accessibility to ADAC’s programs. She introduced Jake Castro, who will be the liaison.

Joseph Lenz, Assistant Superintendent for Business, discussed the preliminary 2024-25 budget. He talked about demographics, saying the 2014 enrollment of 5,500 had declined by 900 students over the last 10 years. He expects enrollment to continue to drop over the next 10 years. He introduced a rollover budget, which will receive more attention as the May 16 budget vote approaches. Lenz reported that the district will go from four to two polling sites, both of which will be in school buildings - Circleville Elementary School and Pine Bush High School.

Amy Brockner, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, reported on the recent regents outcomes. Results are mixed. She said that she wants to strengthen the district’s Regents Boot Camp to provide more support, particularly for students who are no longer enrolled in classroom studies for regents subjects.

Superintendent Brian Dunn reported that New York State had reinstated the district in good standing. He also reported that the state is making changes to disciplinary actions to improve the school climate.

After the board finished its meeting, it went into executive session to evaluate superintendent Dunn.

The board will next meet on February 27 at Circleville Middle School.