Farmingdale Board of Education Trustee, Anthony Vitale, has announced his decision to resign from the board of education. Mr. Vitale has been a long-standing president of the board and has worked tirelessly to support the students and families of Farmingdale and, as such, has set a very high standard for participation.

The board is inviting members of the Farmingdale School District community to volunteer for consideration as applicants to fill the last year of Mr. Vitale's term on an interim basis until elections are held in May 2006.

The members of the board of education will review all applications and will seek to interview the most qualified candidates during the first week of August. The determining characteristics will include evidence of recent commitment to the Farmingdale Public Schools, such as:

* Attendance at school board meetings

* Participation on school district committees

* Membership in the PTA

* Attendance at school functions

* Involvement in community service

* The ability and interest in communicating and working collaboratively with the Farmingdale community

In order to serve as a member of the board of education, the law requires that one must be a resident of the district for at least one year; must be a qualified voter of the district; and must be able to read and write.

No employee of the school district may be a member of the board, except as permitted by law.

Candidates residing within the boundaries of the Farmingdale School District who satisfy these criteria and who are willing to make this contribution to the welfare of our community are invited to submit a statement that establishes evidence of these characteristics to the Board of Education in care of the Superintendent's Office at 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735. E-mail responses may be directed to: mrogers@fpsmail.k12.ny.us.

Please have applications submitted by 9 a.m., Friday, July 29.