• At its last meeting, the school board adopted a new policy that allows absent board members, under specific conditions, to participate in a regular meeting through a conference call. This policy is available for public review in all school offices and the Brentwood public library.

The school board also approved changes in the business education curriculum for 2008-2009. The changes include the addition of three new classes: Managing Personal Finances; Business Principles and Management; and Business in a Global Economy. The new courses are designed to address students' personal, professional, and post-secondary study experiences, said board member Julie McCarthy.

The school board voted to authorize the hiring of interns from the University of Pittsburgh Internship Program for the 2008-2009 school year.

The school board also approved the 2008-2009 school calendar. The first day for students will be Aug. 25, and the last day of class is scheduled for June 9.

• Directors awarded a $99,600 contract to replace the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system at the Harrison Middle School to R.A. Finnegan Inc., of Sheridan. Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education Randy Lutz said the school's HVAC system had been failing for the past five years and had been repaired numerous times. The new unit is part of the district's capital improvement program.

• Directors approved the appointments of Nancy Crowder, Paul Hayhurst, Bryan O'Black, Janice Pushak and Brian Rampolla to the 2008-2009 budget review committee.

• Directors selected member John B. Schmotzer to represent the district in the election for school board trustee of the Southeastern Region for the Allegheny County Schools Health Insurance Consortium.

• District administrators are still reviewing an appropriate type of recognition to be given this year's graduating class for enduring the difficulties and inconveniences of the high school renovation project. Some suggestions include providing a luncheon buffet on senior class day or the dedication of a tree or bench.

• To provide improved and more timely information to the public about proposed school policies, the school directors intend to introduce initial discussion about a particular policy on the third Wednesday of one month, better define it at the agenda meeting on the first Wednesday of the next month and vote on it at the second Wednesday meeting.