The Levittown Board of Education put a wrap on the 2005-06 school year, with its final meeting before the summer on June 14 at Levittown Memorial Education Center.

The night kicked off, as it usually does, with a performance by a group of elementary school students. This time it was Northside Elementary School, who performed their own rendition of the Wizard of Oz, called Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Success for Every Student.

Kindergartners through fifth-graders each linked what they learned in their respective grades to their journey along the yellow brick road. Students emphasized concepts of being a good friend, having high self-esteem and being involved in the community, critical thinking and science skills.

Various awards were handed out throughout the night, including a special moment when longtime board trustee Roseanne Gullans presented her son, Edward F. Gullans, with the prestigious Eagle Scout Award, which is given to only about 4 percent of all Boy Scouts for excellence in leadership, service and outdoor skills. This honor is special to the Gullans family as father, Edward and his two other sons are also Eagle Scouts.

Twenty-one parents were also honored for being CSE parent members, who volunteer their time to help children in the special education programs.

Twenty-three retirees from the school district were awarded with plaques and thanked for their many years of service to Levittown. The list includes custodians, maintainers, aides, bus drivers and teachers. Most notable is the retirement of Salk Middle School Principal Vera Mingovits who has been a student, teacher and administrator in the school district. The board also said farewell to Assistant Superintendent Robert L. Davis, who served from 1981-1986, and 1996 to present.

After honoring those who excelled during the past school year, the Levittown Board of Education now looks ahead to 2006-07. One of the new projects for next year, will be a new website that includes an alumni directory. This will create a communication forum for potential reunions and get-togethers. This directory should be available during the summer.

Another issue that looks to be resolved in the new school year is the increased traffic in front of both MacArthur and Division Avenue High Schools. The problem at MacArthur has been discussed at length for months. Now that a traffic study has been completed, the issue will be revisited later this month. Parents from DAHS have also contacted board members with regard to traffic safety issues in front of their school. They call for fluorescent crossing signs and NO U-turn signs to be posted there as well.

Superintendent Dr. Herman Sirois then offered clarification on a recent Newsday article. The report, regarding violent incidents at Long Island schools, caused concern within the community. The story claimed that 89 out of every 1,000 students in the Levittown School District were reported at one time or another to the assistant principal. It stated that the county average was 48/1000. Contrary to this report, Dr. Sirois stated that Levittown averaged 18/1,000 violent incidents, while the county average was 21/1,000.

"We are very proud of those numbers," said Dr. Sirois. "This shows that we have the discipline to report these students, and that the discipline works because our violent incidents are below the average."

The Levittown Board of Education will reconvene for its next regular meeting on Wednesday, July 5 at 8 p.m. at LMEC. For more information log onto www.levittownschools.com.