The Pittsburgh school board last night tightened restrictions on recruiters who visit district high schools, but didn't go as far as some members wanted.

The policy change, which was approved despite one "no" vote from Mark Brentley Sr., was driven by concerns about high-pressure tactics by military recruiters. Because federal law requires the military have the same access as other recruiters, the change also affects companies and colleges who court students at high schools.

In Pittsburgh Public Schools, recruiters now must register with an administrator after arriving at a school.

The board banned recruiters from using contests, drawings or lotteries, or from giving money or gifts, except minor promotional items or scholarships.

In a move that predominately affects military recruiters, the board banned exhibits or video games depicting weapons or violence. The board also ordered the creation of a system for logging complaints about recruiters.

Over the objections of Mr. Brentley and Randall Taylor, the board cut two provisions from the proposed policy. One would have limited recruiters from a given organization to four visits per high school per year; the other would have banned recruiters from serving as tutors or mentors, unless they were parents.

Board member Patrick Dowd said the provisions were excessive. Mr. Taylor disagreed, saying, "I do think we should regulate the amount of time recruiters visit our schools and are in our schools."

While the board at previous meetings considered banning recruiting in cafeterias and hallways, the policy doesn't go that far. Principals will determine where recruiters may interact with students.

Although he voted for the policy, Daniel Romaniello Sr. said he conducted an informal survey of principals and found few complaints about recruiters. He said reports that military recruiters had their own room at Allderdice High School turned out to be untrue.