I'd like to extend my sincere thanks to the more than one thousand people within the Herricks community who supported my recent candidacy for School Board Trustee.

While impossible to thank everyone on a personal basis, I want to acknowledge my gratitude to the many people who worked so hard in support of our common quest for a more independent board, and a return to Herrick's historic role of academic leadership.

We can walk away from this initial battle standing tall and proud. The fact that I came within a whisker of upsetting the most senior member of the board, with established ties to many key constituencies including senior citizen groups, underscores the deep discontent within the community-at-large.

The odds were overwhelming: I entered the race at the eleventh hour, a political independent without the support of any interest group, and roughly a month until the election. And I had several prior business commitments that limited my ability to campaign in person.

The fact that I came within 32 votes of victory under these circumstances sends an unmistakable message. A significant percentage of the community clearly wants a board with the backbone to set its own educational policy, and an open dialogue that includes residents, teachers, students, and any other stakeholder who wishes to become part of the process.

I want to assure both my supporters, and my detractors, that I have no intention of disappearing into the shadows now that this particular chapter has been closed. I plan to continue my involvement moving forward, and to articulate my views in a variety of public forums. The board and the administration must not lose sight of the fact that virtually half of all voters signaled their disapproval of the status quo on May 18.

My thanks again to everyone who believed in me and helped me nearly pull off a major political upset.

Neil Hershberg