I would like to announce my candidacy to retain my current seat on the board of education for the Hicksville School District. I have been on the board of education for a total of 10.5 years, beginning in 1981-87, and again from December 1993 to the current day. It was in December 1993 that I was appointed to fill a vacancy, and I have won the last two elections to keep this seat. I seek your support and your vote on May 19 to continue my work for the children of Hicksville. My voting record, years of educational experience and my dedication to the taxpayers serve as the foundation of my work in this very time-consuming position of public trust and responsibility.

I moved to Hicksville in November 1979, and by June 1981 when I had an interest in the education of the children here, showed my commitment to it, and which later brought me to my first successful election, and my first seat on the board of education. Those same children are graduating this year and I am able to see the fruits of my labor, and what a wonderful sight these children truly are.

My own two sons are juniors, one currently in our high school, while the other, a Hicksville graduate, is in college.

During my current term I have supported all the educational and administrative efforts to increase our Regents scores and raise the expectations of our students towards the new Regents standards, as promoted in New York State.

I have continually supported improvements in computers and technology, the upgrading of our libraries and science laboratories, and the capital improvements required in all our buildings. These advances ensure the safety and welfare of our children, while they maintain the value and worthiness of our buildings and most importantly, bolster the value of our homes.

I have seen many positive changes during my years of service on the board. The last three years particularly, saw two important changes in the superintendent's office. I was instrumental in the hiring of both Mr. Opdahl, who recently retired, and our new superintendent, Dr. Finn. Both of these fine gentlemen were hired by the board independently, without owing special favors to any outside organization.

I have watched the budget carefully and made sure that it represented the needs of our children. It resulted in a tax rate that was this last year, the 49th lowest out of 53 districts in Nassau County. It has included early retirement measures to reduce the salary costs of senior teachers, cost-cutting energy saving planning, and capital improvements to maintain and improve the facilities which house our children, and will do so safely for many years to come.

We can continue together to instill pride in our community and improve our high quality educational system. We can continue to find ways to keep our quality of programs high and at the same time insist that they be affordable and necessary.

My work as an educational leader and board service volunteer extend over 41 years. I am a high school administrator and have both bachelor's and master's degrees from Long Island University. My first and only priority is to support our children, give them the proper tools and help them to become productive citizens.

As we move into the 21st century we must be sure to offer our children the very best education we can afford. You must be sure to select the very best candidates to become your educational leaders and your representatives. You should look to and support the people with experience, knowledge, long-term commitment, personal dedication, and integrity. You should have people representing you who are leaders, have attended meetings regularly, been visible at community and school functions, and been consistent in their interest for all the children.

I ask that you support Richard Pfaender, who is such an individual. Richard has always been concerned and a hard and tireless worker for the children throughout his involvement as a parent, taxpayer, and former board member. He possesses the skills required for this position. I urge you to support the budget for 1998-99 and give your children the foundation they need to succeed.

Please remember our past commitment and our strong belief in our children that brings us to you now to ask for your help and support in this important election. For Hicksville, the best is yet to come.