Thank you very much for your strong support of the 2002-03 School Budget (604 Yes votes to 242 No votes (71 percent passing rate.)

Your confidence in your board of education, by returning incumbents Ronald Tauss, Robert Condela and Kathy Safrey is greatly appreciated.

The loss of state aid, the change in the adjusted base proportions and the continued growth of our student population, made this a very difficult budget year.

We will continue to work diligently with our district administration and staff, to offer to our students and residents, the best education and support programs possible while always trying to keep our school taxes as low as possible.

It has been the continued cooperation and support of everyone involved with the Island Trees School District that has demonstrated, to both residents and staff, that Island Trees is a caring, close-knit community.

Thank you again for your support. We will continue to work hard to justify your confidence.