The upcoming rededication of Island Trees Middle School as Richard N. Segerdahl Middle School, after the district's recently retired superintendent, was the central topic of discussion at the first board of education meeting of the school year, held on Sept. 29.

The name change for the middle school, which had been known to residents as a veteran's memorial, raised the ire of many of the meeting's attendees. Most vocal in their displeasure were members of the Polaris Group, an organization dedicated to the preservation of Polaris field, one of whom read a letter criticizing the former superintendent to the board before presenting them with a list of Island Trees alumni killed at war.

The possibility of low-income housing being built over local fields, and its effect on the school district was another hotly debated issue of the evening. The school board also proposed a dozen resolutions, all of which passed unanimously.

Board of Education President Robert Condela opened the meeting by informing the audience of about 75, "there have been a number of changes over the summer."

Minutes later, new superintendent James Parla commented, "this doesn't feel like the first meeting," referring to the many summer meetings the board members have had with one another. Parla also spoke about the smooth school opening for Island Trees this year.

"We're proud of everything so far," Parla said.

He also acknowledged the new assistant superintendent, Salvatore Carambia, as well as the new high school principal, George Goldstein, serving on an interim basis. Before moving on to resolutions, the board briefly covered the two topics that would be the night's main focus points.

Parla mentioned that the middle school rededication ceremony would take place on Oct. 23, the high school's homecoming weekend.

"The rededication will be incorporated into homecoming festivities," Parla said.

As a special touch, local members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will serve as honor guard, and members of the American Legion will assist in ceremonies and march during the parade.

"It will be a wonderful day and a historical weekend," Parla said.

The topic of fiers advertising the addition of housing in the Polaris Field area was touched upon next. The board acknowledged the effect the addition of new students would have on the district, with Parla stating,

"We'll keep our eyes on that." Board of Education Vice President Carl Bonsignore informed the attendees that he had spoken with a representative for Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, and they assured him that the low income housing addition "will not happen."

Relatively light and quick in comparison to the rest of the meeting, each resolution was discussed and unanimously passed. These included school trips, a consultant services contract and a high school program called School-to-Business. The board also agreed on the following points: to appoint a parent member to the Committee on Special Education, a new gym lighting contract costing $32,000, a surplus and destruction order for computers and a copying machine defective beyond repair, and a resolution approving cell phone usage for administrators. Finally, the board approved the recent personnel hiring, as well as the use of buildings for local organization.

"We're glad to see the buildings in use," Condela said.

After the business managers report for the months of June and July, the floor opened to old business. The first question of the night, from a local resident, concerned the renaming of the middle school and its relevance to local veterans.

"We wouldn't do anything to slight them," said Condela, adding that the memorial on middle school property would remain in place.

Parla added that the board has been "clear and open" about the subject.

"The entire community of Levittown is a memorial," Parla said. "The former superintendent embodies what the veterans would want."

John Kirk, a member of the Polaris group, voiced his displeasure with the rededication. Dale Bertan, also of Polaris, spoke next. Bertan, the sister of a veteran, read aloud a letter that she had sent to Richard Segerdahl, expressing her disappointment with his acceptance of the dedication. Citing the accomplishments and sacrifices of all veterans, Bertan said, "You should have made it clear: Island Trees Memorial is to be preserved, protected, never compromised and certainly never rededicated. It's not too late. Dick, please do the right thing."

Her remarks were met with applause as she presented the board with a list of Island Trees alumni who died at war.

Condela acknowledged Bertan's concerns stating the purpose of the rededication "was not to take away, but to add." The subject of the official title on school stationery was brought up, and the board stated that it would read "Richard N. Segerdahl Middle School".

Bonsignore pointed out that the stationary had always read "Island Trees Middle School" throughout his tenure, and that the words "Veterans" and "Memorial" were never included.

War veteran and local resident Ronald Thompson weighed in with his opinion. Noting that he was not representative of any organization, Thompson said he originally favored the name change

"But, I'm not too fond of it now that I'm hearing about it," Thompson said.

Another local resident questioned the level of secrecy behind the rededication. The board members confirmed that the announcement in late May at the former superintendents' retirement party, was too late for it to be included in a school newsletter, but that a press release was sent out to all parents in the district. The change was also in the new school calendars.