The board of Pittsburgh Public Schools again received a B- from A+ Schools, but it still showed improvement in four areas.

A+ Schools, an education group, yesterday issued its first report card of this school year based on observations made by its Board Watch volunteers. At least three volunteers attend agenda review and legislative meetings.

"Our grading system shows the school board's grade rose modestly from a weak to a strong B-," said Carey Harris, executive director of A+ Schools.

She also praised the board for creating a board policy manual.

The board's grades included:

• B- in focus and mission, up from C+

• B in conduct, up from C+

• C+ in role clarity, up from C

• B- in competency, up from C+

• B+ in transparency, the same grade as on the previous report.

The report also suggested improving signs directing the public to meeting rooms, moving agenda review and legislative meetings to a larger room, scheduling agenda review meetings before public hearings and developing a means for tracking and addressing policy issues.

More information is available at www.aplusschools.org.

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