Dear Honorable Justice Ort:

On behalf of the board of education and the administration of the Mineola Union Free School District, we would like to thank you for permitting us this opportunity to address the Court regarding our concerns relating to this matter.

Mr. John Jackson was employed in our district as the assistant superintendent for finance and operations. This was the second highest administrative position in the District, responsible for the overall financial operations and supervision of non-certified staff, as well as the general maintenance and operation of our schools. This is a position of the highest level of trust and fidelity.

We are disheartened that Mr. Jackson chose to breach that trust by misappropriating much needed district funds for his own personal gain. His actions have harmed this district in more ways than just stealing money. The violation of trust is perhaps the most disconcerting action, particularly with the relationships he shaped with the community, board of education, superintendent of schools, and his administrative colleagues. His actions have created a climate which has weakened the confidence of many of the residents of this community in the ability of its board of education and administration to faithfully and properly carry out its mission.

We feel it's important that the Court understand that many of our district facilities are in dire need of repair and, in some cases, major reconstruction. After Mr. Jackson's initial arrest, we attempted to secure voter approval for a construction bond in order to fund these vital projects. Perhaps not surprisingly, the bond vote failed. Many residents told us privately, as well as at public meetings, that they would not support such a bond due to their lack of confidence and trust in the district as a direct result of Mr. Jackson's misdeeds. Consequently, our children and staff must utilize aging facilities in serious need of repair. We are powerless to remedy this situation in the foreseeable future.

Many residents believed that Mr. Jackson's arrest was only the tip of the iceberg, and that other financial misappropriations would soon be discovered. We understood the feelings of the residents, especially in light of the more publicized indiscretions discovered in other school districts. However, we are pleased that following a thorough investigation by the district attorney's office, no other improprieties were found.

As Your Honor is aware, a school district's budget is subject to the approval of its residents each year. This year, our proposed budget was defeated. Again, many residents told us that they could not support our proposed budget because they had lost faith in the district's ability to properly manage its finances. Quite simply, Mr. Jackson has sullied the reputation of our school district, a reputation which many of us have worked long and hard to build.

We realize that taxpayers are suffering from escalating costs in non-school budget related areas. However, we believe that the record shows that Mr. Jackson's actions directly caused the voters of our district to reject our proposed budget. Consequently, the district is operating on a contingency budget, which is far less than what we believe necessary for the proper operation of the district. As a result of our failed budget, it was necessary for us to cut many programs and services that we normally would have provided to the children of this community. The ones who suffer are our children. Mr. Jackson certainly did not consider the impact his actions had on our children and our district, an impact which will be felt long after his departure from Mineola.

In summary, we believe that, in addition to the taxpayer's money, Mr. Jackson stole something far more valuable from our community, namely, the public's trust in our school system. His crimes have limited our ability to provide educational and extra curricular opportunities for our children, and have negatively affected every child in this district. What Mr. Jackson has destroyed will take many years to re-build.

We thank you for your attention and wish that you consider our position in your sentencing decision.

Mineola Board of Education

President Donna Strein

Vice President Mary Ellen Williams

Trustee Steve Siwinski

Trustee John McGrath

Trustee Lawrence Carroll