The board recognized Albany High School's athletics program for receiving the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Sportsmanship Promotion Award and noted additional district honors and community campaigns.

Kim Pilla, the district director for health, physical education and athletics, described the award as recognition of work across student-athletes, coaches and families to emphasize sportsmanship, citing examples such as providing tents and water to visiting teams and anti-hazing and equity work. Pilla said the district was one of five schools in the state picked from roughly 700 districts for the promotion banner.

The superintendent also announced that Albany High senior Calais Boucher has been named a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program, placing in the top 1% of 1.3 million juniors who took the PSAT last year. The board said the student will be recognized as the program advances.

District leaders announced the 18th annual Cash for Coats campaign, with donations accepted through Nov. 7; donors can text CASHFORCOATS to 53555 or visit albanyschools.org for details. The superintendent said the campaign has collected more than 18,000 new coats since its inception.

The superintendent reminded the public that stop-arm bus camera enforcement is set to begin Monday, Oct. 20. He reported fines as stated in the meeting: "first offense is $250. Second is $2.75, and third offense, $300," and clarified the district does not receive revenue from fines, which go to the city of Albany.

Board members applauded fall athletics and community engagement and encouraged public participation in homecoming events and the Cash for Coats drive.