School Board Recognition Week in New York State is a wonderful time to take a moment to say "thank you" to our school district and to our outstanding Board of Education. Especially in light of this week's story on the recent school car fire arrests, we should slow down a bit and look at all that our schools do for our children, for our future.

The school board is always focused on what is best for their students --- the great majority of school funds are spent on the curriculum, and, particularly in these post-Columbine and post-Sept. 11 days, the board is also paying very close attention to the well-being and security of students and staff. Careful consideration, real priority, is given to keeping our children safe.

And so, we were not at all surprised to learn that arrests were made in the September North High care fire incident, thanks to security video cameras on campus. The district is working on plans for additional security at all school district sites and the cameras at North High were a pilot program. According to Superintendent of Schools Ron Friedman, "The actual arson was filmed and we have it on tape."

As the Great Neck Public Schools continuously move forward, always looking for ways to improve the education and the daily life offered to its students, our children, we remind them once again that they have our gratitude, our respect, and, always, always, all of our support.

Congratulations to Great Neck's Board of Education: President Barbara Berkowitz; Vice President Fran Langsner; and trustees Donald Ashkenase, Lawrence Gross, and Susan Miner-Healy. How lucky we are!