New York State School Board Recognition Week (officially Oct. 25 - 29) was celebrated in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District on Monday evening, Oct. 27, at the Board of Education meeting. A host of community members, parents, teachers and principals, and local legislators all came out to express their appreciation for the work the board does on behalf of the students in Plainview-Old Bethpage.

Among those who thanked the seven-member board included: Judy Jacobs of the Nassau County legislature, Len Symons of the Town of Oyster Bay, Mrs. David Sidikman representing her husband who is a New York State assemblyman, and representatives from the offices of Tom Gulotta, county executive, and Carl Marcellino, New York State senator.

Those who offered gratitude from the school community included: Principals Art Jonas from POBJFK High School, Dr. Ed Metzendorf of Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School, Harriet Copel of Mattlin Middle School, Gail Weinstein from Stratford Road Elementary, Ronelle Hershkowitz of Parkway Elementary, Dr. Gloria Bennardo from Old Bethpage Elementary and Sylvia Rey from the POB Kindergarten Center. The principals were accompanied by students who presented board members with tokens of appreciation, including projects such as poems and posters. Dr. Anthony Cavanna, superintendent of schools, recognized the board's tireless volunteerism on behalf of the administration.

The parent community was represented by PTA President Meredith Goldfarb and Leona Schneider represented the Plainview-Old Bethpage Senior Citizens Club. To kick off the evening, POBJFK High School's music students performed for the board, under the direction of Ken Friese. The crowd was treated to cake and coffee prior to the beginning of the official board meeting. The 1999-2000 Plainview-Old Bethpage Board of Education members are: President Evy Rothman, Vice President Eric Schultz, Ginger Lieberman, Sharon Dinkes, Lisa Leblang, Alicia Kabak and Cathy Shapp.

In its eighth year, New York State School Board Recognition Week was proclaimed as such by Governor George E. Pataki.