(The following was submitted by Pat Love.)

Once again I am counting on your support as I seek a third term on the Hicksville Board of Education. I have lived in Hicksville for 33 years and have three sons who attended and graduated from Hicksville Schools.

My interest in the educational community began 25 years ago with the PTA. During that time I served as council treasurer, vice president and president at both Woodland and the high school, and on various committees including membership, legislative, health and safety and fundraising. I also represented the PTA on the task force, and was the original parent representative on the committee for the Compact for Learning (site base team). I introduced and established the first Homecoming Fair to Hicksville in September 1990.

As a member of the board of education I have chaired the Curriculum and Policy Committees and I am now holding the office of secretary. During my tenure as chairperson of the Curriculum Committee we reviewed and adopted the nine period day and several new advanced placement courses for the high school. At my request, a new reading and math series were researched and implemented for kindergarten through fifth grade.

Increasing enrollment and overcrowded conditions at Woodland and Lee Avenue became a problem in 1998. A committee was formed to look into the situation and several solutions were considered. It was my idea to look into utilizing East Street, which was being leased to a private school at the time. The opening of East Street alleviated the problem of overcrowding and allowed the board to incorporate computer labs and all day kindergarten in all our elementary buildings. I believe the improved fourth grade ELA scores are a direct result of some of the changes mentioned above.

If re-elected I will continue to stress student performance and staff accountability. Administration has already presented the board with a review of plans to improve test scores and programs at the middle school and high school. The implementation of the bond referendum to maintain a safe and comfortable educational environment for students and staff is also a goal that I would like to see completed. I believe I have demonstrated an ability to make difficult decisions in the face of adversity and in the future I will continue to make decisions based on reliable information, facts and research.

In closing, I would like to thank the community for giving me the opportunity to serve on the board, it has been an honor. With your support on May 20, I hope that both Peggy Theis and myself can continue serving the community. Peggy and I are team players who share knowledge, experience and an enthusiasm for education.

Remember, support the budget and vote row 1A and 3B on Tuesday, June 3.

(The following was submitted by Peggy Theis.)

In deciding to seek re-election to the Hicksville Board of Education, I considered the many positive achievements we have accomplished as a school community in recent years, as well as the challenges that face us in the future.

I believe my years of experience as an active PTA member (former president of Old Country Road School PTA and Hicksville Council of PTAs) and the past nine years' service on the school board, demonstrate my commitment to Hicksville. Two of the most crucial decisions faced by a school board were made during my tenure: The reopening of East Street School and the successful passage of a bond referendum.

Deliberating on the best way to alleviate overcrowding on the elementary level and the possibility of redistricting was a lengthy process. Many meetings were held and opinions shared. Five board members (including Pat Love and myself) then made the decision to reopen East Street. Much hard work went into the successful opening of this school in September 1998 and it is personally rewarding to see students thrive in this stately building nestled amongst our homes.

As our buildings entered the 21st century, it was obvious that "home improvements" were needed. As a board, we studied our options carefully. We knew costly repairs to aging boilers were increasing and roofs and windows were also a concern. While the first vote was unsuccessful, the board made reductions and adjustments before the bond's successful passage last June. Once the NYS Education Department approves the construction plans, it will be the board's responsibility to provide oversight as it awards bids and expends the necessary funds. I believe my experience - at home, at work and on this board of education - have prepared me for this important role.

During this past year, I have seen many steps taken to further improve educational opportunities for our students and address rising costs. The board has listened to and supported administration's plan to ensure student success. Expectations will be clearly shared with students, parents and staff. Before promotion to the next grade, students will be assessed. Next year the middle school program will be reviewed. In addition, special education placements will be studied.

Proposed cutbacks in state aid, rising insurance premiums, increases in retirement funding and changes in residential tax rates have made this a particularly difficult year in terms of the school budget. As a board member I encouraged staff to find less costly methods to deliver services, without impacting students' education; administration studied the high cost of out-of-district transportation and made recommendations which will save half a million dollars. Your support for the school budget will enable us to move forward with intervention services, increase staff development and enhance educational programs.

On Tuesday, June 3, Pat Love and I ask for your votes so that we can continue to serve Hicksville as advocates for our children and the community. Knowing that all decisions are not universally applauded, I believe we've asked the hard questions, remained diligent, made the tough decisions and are prepared to work as part of the educational team that will bring about continuing improvements to our school district. Thank you for your support.