Dr. James Brucia has delivered countless superintendent's reports to the Massapequa school board, but the one he presented at last Thursday's public Board of Education meeting will long stand out in his mind - and in the minds of those in the school community. It will be remembered because the gathering was the last Regular Meeting of the Board of Education that he would attend as chief of the Massapequa Schools, before his retirement at the end of the month, and the report contained a farewell that expressed his pride in - and fondness for - the district.

"I've come into contact with so many wonderful people in Massapequa over 11 years as superintendent and three years as assistant superintendent," he told an audience at Berner Junior High School's auditorium during the meeting, which included this goodbye in addition to announcements about other retiring administrators, as well as a student awards presentation.

Brucia noted that he has worked with 14 different board members during that period, through rough times - such as when the district lost $6 million dollars in state aid in one year - and pleasing times, such as when voters overwhelmingly approved the $49 million bond issue. And, he added, "I always received unbridled support from the board of education."

The longtime educator said that he has prided himself on having no affiliation in Massapequa other than as superintendent, so that when he spoke, there was no question that he spoke on behalf of the schools. Hailing the board of education's and administration's commitment to open dialogue on key issues, he added, "In this job, you have to make many decisions, but in this day and age, you cannot make any decisions in a vacuum."

He also expressed full confidence in his successor, Dr. Lawrence Pereira, adding, "He's a very fortunate man, because this is an excellent district."

Christine Nottonson, president of the board of education, lauded Dr. Brucia for guiding the district in the right direction through several challenges, such as a defeated budget, asbestos removal, both growing and decreasing enrollment, and the need to both open and close schools. "Dr. Brucia always found the positive in every crisis," she said. "He got us through those difficult times." She also thanked him for staying with Massapequa for so many years.

Some residents who were present at the meeting also expressed gratitude to the retiring administrator, who began his career in education 37 years ago, and presented him with gifts.

In addition to being Brucia's last formal public meeting as superintendent, Thursday's gathering served as a goodbye to Fred Smith, the district's business administrator, and Dr. Carole Alexander, the district's assistant superintendent, who are also retiring this year. "We hope that your retirement is a healthy and happy one," said Nottonson.

In addition to these good wishes, Mr. Smith was presented with a prestigious award from the Nassau Chapter of School Business Officials. The group honored Smith by making a $500 contribution to the district's scholarship fund.

The board that evening also formally announced the resignation of Dr. Clara Goldberg from her position as principal of Lockhart Elementary School. Dr. Goldberg is leaving to accept a position as assistant superintendent for instruction in the Lynbrook School District.

The administration also reported the appointment of Barbara Trant as Transportation Supervisor, to replace Mr. Jack Abate, who is retiring.

The recognition of some outstanding students was another highlight of the meeting, as the district acknowledged impressive science research competition winners, musicians, poetry award winners, foreign language award winners and distinguished spring athletes.

Budding scientists who were commended are: Bibiane Choi, INTEL Science Talent Search National Semifinalist, Long Island Science Congress Highest Honors, and Long Island Science Education Leadership Award; Gary Fernando, INTEL Science Talent Search National Semifinalist, New York State Science Talent Search High Honors; Heather Flaxman, Long Island Science Congress High Honors; Kerry Geiler, INTEL Science and Engineering Fair Finalist-Zoology, BioGenius Award, C.W. Post Science Competition ­ Second Place, Long Island Science Congress Highest Honors, Dr. Patricia Ford Award ­ Science Excellence, First Place in the Dowling College Science Symposium; Kathleen Griffin and Stephanie Petruccelli, INTEL Science and Engineering Fair Teams Finalists (1997-98); and Patrick Rendon, United States Navy Prize for Chemistry First Place, Long Island Science Congress High Honors.

Outstanding Berner High School musicians were presented with certificates from the Board of Education. Those who performed in the selective All-County Music Festival are: Becky Anderson, Jordan Ayars, Brian Bert, Tiffeny Brown, Lauren Carbonaro, Kyle Concannon, John Conroy, Robert DiVenti, William Duerr, Meghan Fernandes, Joshua Firer, Theodore Grant, Tim Heaney, Barry James, Angelica Laib, Tobie Langsam, Matthew McCurdy, Jonathan Pascucci, Cara Scherker, Brent Schlesinger, Dane Schlossberg, Jennifer Singer, Robert Sloan, Nadia Vanzan and William Ward.

Those who were honored for being Long Island String Festival musicians are: Ronald Chang, Robert Chen, Matthew Fisher, Johnna Foley, Katie Maher, Damon Motto, Yoon Seong Lee and Shanna Spiro. Samantha Law, Goeffrey Leone, Michael Maino and Jane Park were commended for being All-County and Long Island String Festival participants.

Several Berner Junior High School students were congratulated for their victories in the annual Walt Whitman Birthplace Association Poetry Contest, where there were thousands of entries from third through twelfth graders from throughout Long Island. Six awards were given to the Massapequa youngsters in both the Individual and Class Anthology categories. Lori Freise's ninth grade class brought much acclaim to the district by winning first place. Receiving honorable mention in the contest were: Tisha Caruso's seventh grade class, Tina Connor's seventh grade class, Saralynn Musynske's eighth grade class, Sandy Walsh's ninth grade class, and student Yoon Seong Lee in the Individual Category for grades 9 to 10.

Kudos in the subject of foreign language were given to Alexandra Michalik, who took third place in the Nassau County National Spanish Examination and to Anthony Cavallo, Laudia Levine and Christopher Wicker, who received honorable mentions. Kristin Fasullo was acknowledged for coming in first place in Nassau County and fourth in the United States in the 64th National French Contest. Anna Piazza was congratulated for placing Second, and Lisa Schlitt for placing Third in Nassau County.

The district also praised its distinguished spring sports teams, which have brought much pride to Massapequa. For example, the MHS Boys Lacrosse Team won the Nassau County Class A Championship this month, when the boys defeated Farmingdale by a score of 12-11. Michael Rapacki was the defensive Most Valuable Player, and Michael Draper won the Most Valuable Player Goalie Award. In addition, the district acknowledged that the high school's baseball team, which has a record of 24-2, won the Long Island Championship on June 7 against Smithtown 10-7. The team is also the New York State Public High School Athletic Association's Spring 1999 Scholar/Athlete Team State Champion. Administration also noted that the boys and girls on the Track Team are representing Massapequa well in both state and national competitions, and that the girls 4X800M relay team is nationally ranked, as is Sean Conway in the 800M.