The most recent Island Trees Board of Education meeting was marked by honors for two members of the school district as well as updates on the progress being made on improvements at the schools within the district.

The first recognition was bestowed upon Barbara Alaia, who has served as a crossing guard at Island Trees Middle School for the past 26 years and has spent 21 summers working at the school as well. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Peter Egan, noted that crossing guards are not hired by the school district, but are provided by the county. He went on to explain that this recognition for Alaia came out of a recent conversation with her when he discovered that after 26 years she may be retiring in October. In thanking Alaia, Egan stated, "We are very appreciative of everything you've done for our children."

"Thank you very much. I've enjoyed every minute of it," responded Alaia.

Peter Gibbons, the assistant principal at the middle school also expressed his thanks, on behalf of both himself and Middle School Principal John Segerdahl, to Alaia, noting that there have been many cold, rainy, and snowy days when everyone has been warm inside and Alaia has been standing outside, helping the children to cross the road safely. He then called up middle school student council member Christina Lofaso who presented a gift to Alaia on behalf of the student council.

In recognition of her efforts to ensure the safety of the students for all those years, the board of education and administration presented her with a plaque. A resolution was then presented to the board for approval, recognizing that Alaia has, "Always been an exemplary model of a professional, both in appearance and demeanor," and that she has, "earned the respect of an estimated 1 million students who have crossed this extremely busy street [Wantagh Avenue] under her charge."

Also honored at the meeting was Island Trees Superintendent of Schools Richard Segerdahl, who received national recognition, being named to the Citizens Scholarship Foundation (CSF) of America's Dollars for Scholars National Honor Roll. Island Trees Board of Education President and Dollars for Scholars President Carl Bonsignore read a letter from the CSFA stating, "Richard Segerdahl brought Dollars for Scholars to the Island Trees School District in 1984 and rigorously campaigned to establish a Dollars for Scholars chapter. Richard realized the potential of the organization and how it would benefit Island Trees. Since the chapter's inception, Richard's commitment has been unwavering. Richard Segerdahl's contagious enthusiasm has been exhibited throughout the school district..."

As Bonsignore presented Segerdahl with a plaque and pin for this achievement, Segerdahl said he was grateful for the honor but noted that it is everybody's hard work over the years that has made Dollars for Scholars successful in Island Trees. He then commented that the group recently met with about 30 people from Levittown who were interested in starting up the program for their district. "It made me so proud to sit in the room and look around at all the people who were there, Bill Kealy, Vic Longaro, Carl, Peter Egan, who spent so many years on this and it really has kind of taken a life of its own. Everybody's been very, very supportive," said Segerdahl. "We see almost one third of the high school kids come out to help raise money on our walk. I remember back when we had 30 on that first walk. We've come a long, long way and really it's because of the people in Island Trees and everybody working together."

Bonsignore added, "I've been involved in Dollars for Scholars for many years and it wouldn't be as successful as it is now without the cooperation of the administration and staff and the community."

Following the recognitions, Segerdahl presented an update on the construction projects going on within the district. He reminded those present that the plan at the high school includes converting the former auto shop into a new science lab and tech ed. lab, converting the two art rooms into classrooms and making space in the basement of the building into an art complex. "Work has already started in both areas, the art rooms and auto shop have been totally gutted and they are starting to do some construction now and have already started our outside entrance to the lower concourse area, which involves the carting away of a lot of soil from the outside of the building," said Segerdahl. The superintendent then spoke about the work going on at the Gallow and Karopczyc buildings. He noted that South Shore Christian School has completely moved out of Gallow and BOCES is preparing to move in. Segerdahl added that the district is in the process of moving out of Karopczyc and that the new parking lot by the library is well under way. He reminded everyone that the Karopczyc building has had no changes made since it was built in 1954, that it still has the existing lights and wiring. BOCES has already begun the process of bringing new electrical power into the building and renovating the entire interior of the building.

Concluding the update, Segerdahl stated, "There's a lot to do this summer but we are really excited about the projects that are under way."