Board holds first reading of main-field lights policy; sets 150-hour annual cap and strict neighborhood notice

The board held a first reading on April 21 of revised Policy 3285, which governs use of main-field lights for Pleasantville High School. The policy reiterates that portable or permanent lights are for district-sponsored activities only (no third-party rentals), sets standard shutoff times (8:00 p.m. for practices; 9:00 p.m. for games), and establishes a maximum of 150 hours of use per year. Saturday and Sunday use is discouraged except in rare, preapproved exceptions.

A board member who presented the policy reiterated that the 150-hour figure is an annual cap and that postseason hours are excluded from the regular-hour accounting because postseason needs are unpredictable. The board emphasized stronger procedural protections than many districts: two separate readings and first-class mail notice to surrounding neighbors before any policy change.

Why it matters: the policy balances the district’s desire to support student athletics with neighborhood quality-of-life concerns. Administrators said the policy applies equally to temporary and permanent lighting and that the board intends to adhere to the published limits.

The board approved the first reading and scheduled the required additional readings before any final adoption. Officials encouraged residents to consult the district website and attend upcoming community forums.