The overcrowding at William A. Shine-Great Neck South High School has quickly become an issue of great concern. While the school district has been aware of the increase in numbers, and a board of education goal for this school year does address studying enrollment patterns, it was a letter from PTA presidents and a board meeting a few months ago that actually precipitated the call for immediate action.

Hearing from students, parents, teachers and administrators, Superintendent of Schools Ronald Friedman and the board of education moved with speed and with care. At last week's board meeting, Dr. Friedman offered a solid, well thought-out, sensitive plan of action, in two parts. First, he called for an optional attendance zone that would allow now South middle and high school students, living in a specific "north zone," to choose North instead next year. Great care would be taken to provide open houses and time for youngsters and their families to make decisions. Siblings would be allowed to follow in the steps of their older sisters and brothers, should they choose to do so. Transportation would be provided where necessary.

Part two calls for the district to hire a demographer, to study all aspects of the issue, and offer a plan that would be put into effect for September 2009. All factors would be considered, including demographics, space needs and existing space, geographic factors, plus social and cultural factors. Then there would be more discussion, followed by a board of education decision.

From the mood at the school board meeting last week, it looked like parents were delighted and relieved. The large crowd of parents applauded the plan, especially the options for next year.

Dr. Friedman well deserved the applause he received after presenting his recommendations. He and his staff did an outstanding job --- discussing, researching, listening to parents, students and staff. And they came up with a beautiful plan in record time. Bravo! And thank you!

Once again, our award-winning school district has addressed a pressing, sensitive issue with such seeming ease, and once again came forth with a plan that looks to be a real win-win effort.

We do hope that the public embraces this optional zone solution for next year. It's an excellent plan. And we sincerely hope that when next year comes around, and the district looks to the future, that the community once again participates in the process and, in the end, offers support for the decision for the future.

Thank you Dr. Friedman for your fine work and your unending dedication to the needs of each child.

Thank you to the board of education --- President Barbara Berkowitz, Vice President Fran Langsner, and trustees Don Ashkenase, Larry Gross and Susan Miner-Healy. Thank you for always being there for our children. We count on you and you never let us down!

- Wendy Karpel Kreitzman