The school community as well as the entire community of New Hyde Park came together a few weeks ago to honor retiring New Hyde Park/Garden City Park Superintendent Joseph Rudaitis at a retirement party at the Chateau Briand in Westbury.

More than 250 jammed the ballroom during the cocktail hour and then were seated as the dinner was served. The program was under the guidance of emcee Garden City Park Principal James Svendson, who sounded like he was vying for a place on "Saturday Night Live."

The speakers included former Sewanhaka Central Superintendent Dr. George Goldstein. He mentioned that he was in on the original "search" committee to hire Rudaitis and he added, "what a good choice it was."

New Hyde Park/Garden City Park Chief School Psychologist/CSE Chairperson Dr. Thomas Raab reminded the group that 10 years ago, when Rudaitis joined the school system, it was in dire need of someone who could "unify and heal" and he did that. He said at the time the district was "bursting at the seams" and through Rudaitis' leadership he was able to expand every building. His basic motto was, "Do what you need to do, as long as the children learn."

Dr. Raab mentioned that his expanded programs led to the increase of scores to make sure that the children are prepared when they leave for high school.

Dr. Raab said, "The test scores show what a great job he has done in improving education at the New Hyde Park/Garden City Park K-6 level."

He ended his short speech turning to Rudaitis to say, "Thank you for being a good boss and for being such a good person."

The next speaker was Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello, who is also the attorney for the school district. Usually, he is very quiet and reserved and delivers very few words at these events prior to presenting a legislative citation, but not this night. He was truly "on" and had the audience rolling with laughter as he explained that decision-making was difficult for Joe. He said he first checked with "everybody" to get his/her opinion on a particular matter and then would "sleep on it."

Nicolello said, "A great many of his decisions had very little support, but 99 percent of his decisions were absolutely right. The one thing about Joe Rudaitis is that he is scrupulously honest and completely dedicated. Joe, thank you on behalf of all of the residents of New Hyde Park for all you have done for us. May you and your family have many years of health and happiness during your retirement."

Superintendent Rudaitis then said a few words and they were few because he was just too overwhelmed to say much more than, "Thank you from the bottom of my heart and without the support of my wonderful wife, Kathy, who allowed me to spend so much time away from home, working on school business, this would not have been as easy."

He said, "I always remembered the words of George Weckel, who is here tonight, who retired as the business manager of the district. He said to me, 'When all is said and done, it's not the job you will remember, but the people.' And, he was so right."

A delicious dinner was then served but even after dinner the crowd was not anxious to leave since everyone had such a wonderful time both "roasting" and praising Joseph Rudaitis. Joseph Rudaitis officially retired on June 30 at the last day of the school year.