New York State Senator Michael Balboni shared some good news with attendees at the Elmont school district's annual Teachers Retirement Dinner this year. He announced that the Legislature had approved an additional $100,000 in state aid for Elmont.

These funds, earmarked for our educational program, came over and above an earlier increase in aid for the fiscal year 2000-2001 and granted by the Legislature in mid-spring at the joint request of Balboni and Assemblyman Thomas Alfano. Balboni received the go-ahead for the latest additional aid from Governor George Pataki.

In March, a contingent of Elmont administrators and school board trustees met with representatives of the governor in Albany to acquaint them with the school district, its services and the needs of Elmont's student population. Balboni has said that Pataki was impressed with Elmont's presentation and as a result of those talks, has a better understanding of the school district and its challenges in providing quality education to the district's 4,200 elementary school children.

On behalf of the school community, I extend a special thank you to our state legislators for their commitment to the children, for their participation in school activities and events with our staff and youngsters throughout the year, and for serving as role models for our children.

Dr. Maria Palandra

Elmont Superintendent of Schools