I would like to announce my candidacy for re-election to the Hicksville Board of Education. It has been both an honor and a privilege to have served the students of this district for the past 11 years as a member of the board. I am once again asking for community support on May 18 so that I may continue to use my experience, knowledge of the issues and leadership skills to make positive contributions to our educational team.

Since first elected to the board in 1991, I have served in the following leadership positions: president (2002-03); vice president (1993-94, 1999-00, 2000-02); secretary (1992-93); deputy treasurer (1994-96, 1998-99, 2003-04); facilities chair (1991-92, 1998-00, 2001-02); finance chair (1994-95); policy chair (2002-03); Community Council liaison (1994-95); PTA Council liaison (1992-94); and Ad Hoc Safety Committee chair (1999-00).

I have continued to meet the challenge of strengthening educational opportunities for all students as well as setting high academic standards in order to keep up with the ever-changing state and federal mandates and assessments in the core subject areas and supporting and funding athletics, music and the arts.

My record reflects a commitment to maintaining the quality of our educational programs from kindergarten through high school in a safe and secure environment. As a board member, I fought for and supported improvements to educational and extracurricular programs offered to students in our schools that have included new technologies throughout the district; new textbooks for all levels of instruction; a full-day kindergarten program that gives students a solid beginning as they face tough challenges during their school years and beyond; extensive staff development; academic intervention programs to support students during the school day; special education inclusion programs; summer learning experiences, including a summer recreation program; and the creation of an after-school child care program. I have made it a priority to support maintenance and capital project upgrades of district facilities. An attractive, safe and healthy environment enhances both the educational program and the investment of the taxpayers.

My wife Lorraine and I are both lifelong residents of over 50 years as well as past graduates of the Hicksville School District. We have been pleased to raise our children in this community and educate them in Hicksville Schools. Our oldest son graduated in 1997 and went on to earn a business degree

from C.W. Post in 2001. He continues to work full-time while pursuing his MBA. Our daughter graduated in 2001 and is currently in her junior year at Hofstra majoring in art education. Our youngest son is a junior at the high school and we are looking forward to his graduation next year. The Hicksville School District has provided my family with a well-rounded education and my board service is one way for me to give back to the community for that education.

In addition to being a parent, as a homeowner for almost 30 years, I'm also a taxpayer in the district. I have not only worked to improve the quality of our educational programs but fought for and remain committed to the cost-effective management of district resources. Through a conservative approach to budgeting, the district has increased reserves and has maintained an excellent financial position while keeping the tax rate among the lowest in Nassau County.

My education, civic activities and work experience have combined to serve as a guide to my actions as a board member. I am a graduate of Hofstra University with a BA in communications. I have been an active member of the Midland Civic Association for almost 20 years, serving on the board of directors and as an officer. With over 36 years in business and public service, currently employed by the Town of Oyster Bay as an assistant to the town supervisor, I believe that this experience has allowed me to make a difference in the lives of Hicksville students. I care very deeply about this community and I would like to continue to advocate for our children. Words cannot express how moved I was when my efforts on behalf of our children were recognized by the Hicksville Council of PTA's with the honorary Life Membership Award.

In order to better serve the needs of students in this district, we must continue to focus on the delivery of improved educational programs in a safe and secure environment at a price this community can afford. The district must carefully explore the benefits and feasibility of reducing class size at the elementary level while at the same time assessing the long-term needs for increases. I support a complete, comprehensive demographic study conducted by a professional consultant and the establishment of a committee to review the data, prioritize initiatives and report their findings and recommendations to the board.

Effective school board members need to demonstrate leadership, recognize the expectations of the community for the education of their children and conduct themselves in a manner that builds trust and confidence in the local public school system. I feel that my record reflects the above qualities and I would like to continue my work on behalf of all the students in this district. Please return proven leadership, not promises, to the Hicksville School Board.

I am asking for your support. Vote 1A on Tuesday, May 18. I urge you to also aid the children by voting to approve the budget and continue to support the funding for the Gregory Museum. Thank you for your past support and with your help, I look forward to continuing my commitment to work for educational excellence in Hicksville Schools.

Richard Pfaender