Dr. William J. Fanning, assistant superintendent for business in the Farmingdale School District for nearly two decades, will retire later this month. Fanning started his assistant superintendent position in 1982, and said "the rest is history.

"I'm still here almost two decades later because I found Farmingdale to be such a great community," he said. "The Village, although it's a relatively small part of the total school district, serves as an anchor and cultural center. The summer concerts on the Village Green are just one example. That positive energy is clearly felt within the school district.

"That sense of community is evident throughout the school district too - from our Suffolk border on the east to our Nassau border in the west. I've served with an extraordinary group of people here - boards of education, administrators and a distinguished faculty. When you add a dedicated and capable educational support staff, you have the formula for successful schools and a rewarding and satisfying career."

Throughout his years of service to the schools, Fanning has also been active in the Farmingdale community and in various professional organizations. He served in each of the leadership positions, including president, of the Nassau County Chapter of the NYS Association of School Business Officials (NYSASBO); he was twice elected to the state's organization's board of directors, and served as its president as well. He has concluded numerous ASBO workshops in the US and Canada.

Locally, Fanning has served on the Board of the Nassau's Citizens' Budget Committee, seeking solutions to the economic challenges facing schools and municipalities. He has been a member of the Farmingdale Rotary Club since 1982, ringing the Salvation Army bell during holidays, and being involved in the annual pancake breakfasts often held at Howitt East and the "Farmingdale Follies" Rotary fund raisers in support of community needs. A former Rotary president, Fanning was honored as Rotary's Paul Harris Fellow, recognizing his service to the organization and community.

Fanning's tenure, Farmingdale received numerous "Good Government" awards for its fiscal practices; the assistant superintendent was recognized with the NYSASBO Outstanding Service Awards and International Eagle Service Award.

Fanning said he plans to "relax and enjoy the summer just the way I did when I was teaching seventh and eighth grade" after his retirement. By fall, however, he plans to be working full time again. Already a published textbook author, Fanning plans on writing in addition to management consultation and/or eventually teaching again as a college professor.

"I plan to take with me the many memories of a full and rewarding career in Farmingdale - and to relish them for a long, long time. To my colleagues and to the Farmingdale community, I say thanks for your encouragement and support."