Just a little less than a year ago the Manhasset Board of Education voted to extend Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maria Petraglia's contract for a year, although her term still had two years to run. It appeared to be an announcement of support for Dr. Petraglia whose administration had been the object of criticism in ads taken out in this newspaper by the Manhasset Education Association, the teachers' union which was in labor negotiations at the time.

This week Dr. Petraglia announced her intention to resign her position, effective Aug. 1, 1998. The resignation was to be accepted at the April 28 meeting of the board of education, after this paper went to press. Dr. Petraglia has been Manhasset's superintendent of schools for six years.Dr. Petraglia has told school board members that she does not intend to seek another position as a school superintendent but will rather act as an educational consultant and possibly teach education courses at the college level, which she has done in the past and is doing currently.

Speculation as to the reasons for Dr. Petraglia's decision to resign her position has been widespread. The current superintendent's salary is $144,000. One board member mentioned that Dr. Petraglia has put in very long hours. In an official statement, Dr. Vincent J. Calluzzo, board of education president, said, "Dr. Petraglia has served the Manhasset District with extraordinary distinction during the 1990s.

"The students of Manhasset have reaped the benefits of Dr. Petraglia's record of success. She has emphasized high standards and commitment to educational quality. Quality is never an accident, it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives. Dr. Petraglia has truly given Manhasset the wisest and best of choices.

"It is with deep regret that we accept her resignation and wish her the very best."

During Dr. Petraglia's administration Manhasset students were named Westinghouse semi-finalists and a finalist. Dr. Calluzzo also said that students, teachers and administrators are performing at higher levels and were achieving higher standards even before they were mandated by New York State. He added that Manhasset's integrated technology program and a long-range technology plan are used as models on Long Island, in New York State and nationwide.

The board of education will be working with a consultant to plan a process for recruiting Dr. Petraglia's successor. An interim superintendent will be appointed during the search process. At least one board member expressed the opinion that the next superintendent should be someone who has already served in that capacity in another district.