The election of trustees to the Roslyn School Board is beginning to emerge from the backdrop of the perpetrators of theft appearing before the bar of justice and a community still suffering from the scandal's post traumatic shock. There are still open community wounds that must be healed and a needed refocusing on the educational priorities of our fine school district.

Two distinguished educators, Ronald Smith and David Seinfeld, have declared their candidacy for the school board. I know and deeply respect both of these individuals and believe they will be excellent trustees. Both bring a wealth of educational and administrative experience to this most challenging office.

Ronald Smith has served as superintendent of the Merrick School District, assistant superintendent of the Levittown School District and director of Special Education Services for the Roosevelt School District and has undertaken many educational consulting assignments. David Seinfeld currently serves as principal of Calhoun High School in Merrick and formerly served as principal of North Shore High School and assistant principal of Martin Van Buren High School in Queens.

Both of these individuals possess the special ingredients that are needed on our school board at this juncture in the district's history. They are knowledgeable and experienced in setting educational priorities, they are effective managers with a keen sense of fiscal accountability, they are attuned to the pulse of the community and, most importantly, both have the skills and inclination to work as a team with the other trustees for the best interests of the students.

At a time when many who would consider serving, but have witnessed the travail surrounding BOE members past and present have said, "no thanks," that these two well qualified individuals have stepped forward speaks volumes about their courage, commitment and desire to do the heavy lifting needed to restore operational excellence to our school district.

I wholeheartedly support and endorse the candidacy of Ronald Smith and David Seinfeld and encourage you to vote for them on May 16.

John Fabio