Countless times over the last two years I have thought about what I would say or write in response to the many statements and comments that have been made. What I would like or be permitted to share has its own boundaries. In retrospect though, my knowledge of events and decisions from the past was based on a microcosm of information compared to what is shared and made available today.

While we have lived the anatomy of a scandal these past two years, it has also brought about the anatomy of a community. There has been anger, slander, disrespect and behavior that would be unacceptable if displayed by our children and outright divisiveness amongst one another. This has been clearly stated by a well-respected community member when it was said: "A community of parents divided amongst themselves can be more poisonous to the future of an educational system than a band of thieves systematically stealing $11 million." While this sentiment has brewed for a long time now I am hopeful we are heading in a new direction. The past should be our point of reference for a place in time never to be revisited again.

The last seven months in particular have begun to restore my faith and confidence in my neighbor and in my community. As I have stated numerous times, my role as an educator and mother of six children is what I hoped to contribute as a school board member. While it has been difficult for some, I am especially thankful for those individuals who have strongly supported and encouraged me through their words and letters to continue in that capacity until the end of my term. It has been a journey like no other, understood by few. I thank most of all, my husband and six children who have had to bear the residual effects of what has occurred. They have allowed me to continue in what I felt so strongly about.

I feel confident in knowing that we are gradually moving beyond the turmoil as shown by the voices and actions of our community through our budget vote and trustee election. I would hope that the aspirations of our entire school board include a higher standard of performance both behind closed doors as well as in public. While we are all individuals there should be no question about acts of civility, courtesy and respect toward one another. It is by no means true, as was once told to me, that one is no longer of any benefit or has nothing to contribute to the common good. What should be expected from each other is no less than what we would expect of our children.

I look forward to a school board that is an effective model to lead the community in continuing to attain and develop an excellent educational program and curriculum as well as continuing to seek and hire key positions for our central administration. For in the end, what we can and continue to be truly proud of are our greatest and most valuable assets, our children, the students of the Roslyn School District.

Maryann Combs