As many of you may already be aware, at a recent meeting of the Manhasset Board of Education, I submitted my letter of resignation for the purpose of retirement. The effective date of my resignation is April 30, 2005. The timing will allow the board to find a qualified superintendent to take my place on July 1, 2005, and hopefully ensure a smooth transition in leadership.

My decision to retire was not an easy one, as I will miss the community, the staff, and most assuredly the children. However, after frank and open discussion with the current board, we were in total agreement that it was time for a change in direction in the school district. The board and I hope that the selection process for a new superintendent can be a key element in unifying the school and community. Manhasset is an outstanding school district, and the children deserve the best that the community can afford to give them.

My almost six years of service to the Manhasset School District have been among the most rewarding and fulfilling of my professional career, and I would like to thank everyone for the kindness that they have shown me during my tenure. It has been a pleasure working closely with many of you in an attempt to better serve the children of Manhasset.

I would like to specifically thank the teaching, support and clerical staff for their professionalism and dedication to the children they serve. I am equally grateful to the administrative staff for the leadership they provide in our continued effort to improve instruction and services for the children, led by an outstanding cabinet. I am also in admiration for the confidential staff that labor behind the scenes to make everyone's job easier and more fulfilling.

As my career in Manhasset draws to a close, let me assure the community that having been a superintendent for 27 years, I have never had the honor of working with a more dedicated and competent staff. The Manhasset community is fortunate to have such a qualified team of educational professionals, as the school district faces many challenges in the future.

Finally, I wish the board success in planning for the future of the district.

If you have any questions, would like me to address any specific school district topics, or would like to express an opinion about the district, its programs, services, successes, etc., please contact me by mail, by telephone at 267-7705, or via e-mail at lbozzomomp@manhasset.k12.ny.us.