The Pine Bush school board heard of improvements in academic achievement and student culture at its February 27 meeting.

The meeting began with a lengthy procession of 116 scholar athletes from the fall 2023 season. In order to be a scholar athlete, a student must have a 90 or above cumulative grade point average.

Amy Brockner, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, provided statistics showing that the number of students at or above grade level in reading and mathematics has increased.

Superintendent Brian Dunn reported that three schools have been removed from the state list of schools needing improvement: Circleville Middle School, in May, and Crispell Middle School and E.J. Russell Elementary School, in February.

Administrators noted that absenteeism was an issue leading to being placed on the list.

Dunn also reported on an improvement in student culture, based on adherence to the district’s code of conduct. He said that disruptive behavior is not conducive to learning. Gretchen Meier, board president, asked for more details, including a breakdown of statistics for each building.

Joseph Lenz, Assistant Superintendent for Business, and several department chairs, gave an update on the draft 2024-25 budget. Lenz said it would be a rollover budget, meaning the budget category totals rollover into the next month. He is projecting a budget of $140 million, reflecting an increase of 3.86%.