The Mineola School District recently took a hit in the public's eye when its chief financial officer was arrested after an investigation by the Nassau County DA. While the school district works to regain the public's trust, it is easy in such times to overlook the positives of the district.

One major positive the district has going for it is its family. A school district's family is made up of many aspects - its administrators, building principals, staff, teachers, parents and perhaps, above all, its students.

During his state-of-the-district address, superintendent of schools Dr. Lorenzo Licopoli acknowledged that "the community is justifiably concerned about how things are done and whether their tax dollars are properly managed."

In these days of high taxes where seniors are struggling to stay in the homes they have lived in for years and young people cannot afford to purchase a home, it is justifiable that residents and taxpayers pay close attention to where their tax dollars are going.

But perhaps the entire school district shouldn't receive a black eye for the possible wrongdoing of a few. Mineola has a lot going for it. The district has the type of students who care about each other. For instance, the girls track team wore arm-bands in memory of a classmate who recently passed away. The district has students who banned together to help the tsunami victims. It has student-athletes and fine arts performers who spend numerous hours after school practicing. It also has dedicated teachers and parents who volunteer their time, go to board meetings and ask important questions.

Its superintendent stood in front of the public and board of education recently and honestly gave himself as an example of what the culture of Mineola was like.

But, the superintendent and the board have been changing the culture of the district, which has made great strides in being more open to the public.

While Mineola may have to earn the public's trust, perhaps a recent investigation shouldn't undo all of the accomplishments the district made.

- Joe Rizza