It has been truly an honor and a privilege to have served as the superintendent of the Island Trees School District for the past 20 years. I would like to thank the members of the Board of Education, the residents and the entire staff of Island Trees for their continued support.

As a community that is not blessed with a lot of industry to share the tax burden, the residents of Island Trees have a lot to be proud of. Sixteen years ago we were the highest taxed school district in Nassau County. By budgeting carefully and making some difficult, but necessary fiscal decisions, our per pupil expenditures are now in the lowest 20 percent in Nassau County.

All six schools are in excellent physical shape and our student facilities can compare with any school district on Long Island. Our student test scores have consistently ranked in the top 30 percent of Long Island school districts and our music, sports and academic programs have won top honors.

It is not possible to adequately thank the many, many wonderful people in Island Trees and Levittown whom I have met and grown to admire and appreciate over my many years in Island Trees.

The wonderful tributes that were said at the retirement party culminating with the Board of Education announcing that they will be renaming the Island Trees Middle School the Richard N. Segerdahl Middle School in October 2004 still brings tears to my eyes.

Thank you again to the wonderful people of the Island Trees School District for allowing me to be a part of your lives and for your support over these past 20 years.