At its final meeting of the 2003-2004 school year, the Island Trees Board of Education honored many members of the Island Trees School community who left the district as of June 30. In addition to Superintendent Richard N. Segerdahl, who retired from Island Trees after serving for two decades as its chief administrator, the board also thanked and recognized School Board Trustee Kathleen Safrey, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Peter Egan, Stokes School Principal Madeline Montone and others moving on from the district.

"We will be honoring several individuals [this evening]," said School Board President Robert Condella. "I will miss them personally as much as we will all miss them professionally."

Via roll call, the board officially passed a resolution originally read at the superintendent's retirement party in late May, renaming the middle school in his honor. The dedication will take place homecoming weekend, on Oct. 23.

Segerdahl was presented with a copy of the resolution, which stated several accomplishments the district experienced under his reign. Segerdahl was appointed superintendent of the district in 1984 and served in that capacity for 20 years. His career in the district began nine years earlier, as principal of the Stokes School. Segerdahl then assumed the position of assistant superintendent in 1978. Under his leadership, the tax rate in Island Trees went from being the highest in Nassau County to now being in the bottom 25th percentile.

Under his leadership, the school district developed the Island Trees Preschool Program. Segerdahl was also instrumental in starting All Day Kindergarten and a Nine Period Day and was responsible for the creation of any array of summer programs, which have succeeded far beyond expectation. As a result of his efforts to help working parents, the district also implemented myriad child care programs, benefiting both residents and staff. The superintendent also launched the Dollars for Scholars Program in the district, which has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors.

"This still hasn't sunk in," Segerdahl said regarding his retirement. "It has been a tremendous honor working in Island Trees." In response to many individuals giving him credit for the district's great accomplishments, Segerdahl said, "It's not one person, it's everybody working together. I've worked with so many great administrators throughout the years - how do you say thank you?"

Trustee Charles Bambino read a resolution honoring Kathy Safrey, who stepped down from her position as school board trustee after 11 years, the last two of which she served as president.

"Mrs. Safrey's performance has been one of articulate, careful deliberation and action that has aided in the improvement of staff, curriculum and course offerings," Bambino read. "Mrs. Safrey has strived to support the need for quality education, tempered with sound fiscal management, and ... has consistently supported the needs for capital programs and long-range planning."

The resolution added that Safrey's tenure has helped the district to enhance educational programs and course offerings on all levels.

"[These have] been 11 of the most important years professionally for me. It's always been a great source of pleasure and pride to say that I was part of the Island Trees School District," Safrey said. "In a year where so much is in question, Island Trees is in wonderful hands because each of these men have so much integrity," she added, referring to the now all-male school board and administration.

When it comes to what makes up a good superintendent, Safrey said she has a Wizard of Oz philosophy.

"You need to have a heart, a brain and courage. Most have the heart and the brains, but Mr. Segerdahl also has the courage," she said, adding that oftentimes he took brave steps that some may have questioned while ensuring that students of the district benefited. Speaking to the board, she said, "Every last one of you have contributed a great deal to my life and I appreciate that contribution very much."

Trustee Peter Ray read a resolution to honor retiring Deputy Superintendent Dr. Peter Egan.

"Dr. Egan has continually demonstrated an impressive dedication and devotion to the needs of the district staff, students and parents of the Island Trees School District," Ray read. "Dr. Egan has exhibited a strong work ethic by arriving early, staying late and devoting whatever time necessary to meet the needs of his position and the needs of the district."

Condella added that Dr. Egan has always had the interest of the children at heart.

"It's amazing, you'd think that the people who work here have children in the district," Condella said. Segerdahl added, "Dr. Egan has never gotten the recognition he deserves because he's always behind the scenes."

The final resolution of the evening honored Madeline Montone, principal of Stokes School, who is retiring after teaching in the district for 26 years and serving as principal at Stokes for 16 years.

The resolution stated that "Miss Montone has served the Stokes School teachers, students and parents as a very effective, dedicated and caring administrator ... [She] must be commended for her educational leadership, building management, curriculum development and the fine programs that have been continually offered to the students of Stokes School."

"It has been wonderful to have the support of the administration, teachers and parents [all these years]," Montone said. "I will miss it terribly, I will miss the children ... my kids as they walk into school every single day."

Segerdahl also recognized Business Administrator Helen Costigan, who is moving onto another district after many years of service to Island Trees.

"It's sad when people leave but nice to have new people come into the district," Segerdahl said. "I've known Jim [Palma, new district superintendent] for seven years. He's nothing but a gentleman and a hard worker ... this district will be in good hands."