Since it was the last meeting to be presided over by School Board President James Kane who is retiring because he has been appointed Battalion Chief of the New York Fire Department, Superintendent Joseph Rudaitis made the following presentation:

"Since 1998 Jim Kane has been a member of this board of education and as a superintendent I could not have asked for a more supportive person from the community to come onto the board. Jim Kane has proven to me, on a personal level, a lot about what real character is, what integrity is and what courage is in many ways, shapes and forms."

Rudaitis continued, "So on a personal note I am very, very sorry to see Jim go as I know his colleagues are and I know the community will miss his service on the board. On behalf of the New Hyde Park/Garden City Park School Board and the entire community I would like to present to Jim a plaque that reads, 'Presented to James Kane, New Hyde Park/Garden City Park Board of Education, July 1, 1998 to June 30, 2004 in appreciation for all you have done for the school community of New Hyde Park/Garden City Park.'"

James Kane then said, "If I had known he was going to do this I wouldn't have been here tonight. I never did this for any kind of recognition. I'm embarrassed standing here right now. I am dumbfounded. I don't know what to say, but I appreciate the honor. I had some good years, some bad years and some very rewarding years. However, I always tried to do my best. I want to wish all my former board members and the new board members the best of luck next year." This was followed by a standing ovation from an appreciative audience.

The next matter of business by the New Hyde Park/Garden City Park School Board was to grant the following tenure:

Principal Karen Bayerbach, Principal James Svendsen. Teachers: Marcia Colton, Allison DeMelfi, Lillian Buccella, Samantha Feinman, Theresa DeCapua, Angela Cervera and Eileen Walsh. Teachers moving from first to second year of a two-year Probationary Period: Christina Sciarrotto, Christine Margro; teacher moving from second year to the last year of a two and 1/2 year Probationary Period: Lara Holzkamp. Teachers moving from Second Year to a Third Year of a Three Year Probationary Period: Susan Schlueck, Tracy Leidner, Janie Bonura,Tammi Rosa, Leticia Hauser, Jennifer Zucker, Marsha Doron, Lori Cohen. Principals and Director of Curriculum moving from first year to second year of a three-year probationary period: James Bloomgarden, Diane Weiss, Dian Zirilli. Teachers moving from first year to Second Year of Three-Year Probationary Period: Janine Sheehan, Janet Birchall, Elaine McQuade, Christina Ryder, Susan Spartro. Retirement: School Secretary: Helen O'Connell.

Paul and Anna Fredericks were present to present sculptures in the name of their late daughter Lauren to be placed at the Manor Oaks and Garden City Park School libraries. Superintendent Rudaitis thanked them for their generosity in the name of their lovely daughter, whose life ended too soon.

A vote was cast on an amendment of the superintendent's contract. Although the terms were not disclosed, the trustees, except trustee Lawrence Montreuil, voted yes on the amendment, but trustee Montreuil voted no. After the meeting when asked why he voted no, he answered, "No comment."

A new reading plan was proposed by Superintendent Rudaitis and it will be outlined in detail in the next issue of The Illustrated News. The plan will be voted on at the next meeting of the school board scheduled for July 12. The meeting will be a reorganizational meeting.