On May 26, 2005, we learned along with many residents that John Jackson, former assistant superintendent for finance and operations, and a district vendor were indicted by the Nassau County District Attorney's Office on charges including but not limited to Grand Larceny, Falsifying Records, Defrauding the Government, Theft of Services and Official Misconduct. The district attorney indicted that Mr. Jackson is responsible for taking approximately $30,000 from the district in the form of theft of services and cost of materials. It is also alleged that Mr. Jackson received about $63,000 in bribes and gratuities for services done at his home.

While the board of education is very disturbed by the allegations of the indictment, we have been aware of the district attorney's investigation since it began. In April 2004, we informed the community that there was an ongoing investigation and since then we have continued to make information about the investigation available to the public.

The district has fully cooperated with the district attorney's investigation into this matter, working with his office to provide any records that may help with the investigation and making our district personnel available as needed. We appreciate and thank the district attorney's office and his investigative team in handling this matter, professionally and appropriately, protecting our interests and the interests of our taxpayers so that justice will prevail.

In January of 2005, the board publicly announced that the district would conduct its own investigation into the matter and has fully shared the results of our inquiry with the district attorney, along with additional documentation that should aid the district attorney in bringing this matter to a close. We will continue to cooperate fully with the D.A., and to provide assistance in the hope of fully and satisfactorily resolving this matter.

Our accountability to the taxpayer in the management of public funds is essential for public trust so it is justifiable that the public trust is impacted by these allegations. Whenever there is suspicion of dishonesty and betrayal, it is very important to gain closure on such matters and clarify the facts as soon as possible. The board of education and district administrators are working diligently to ensure that our current practices and system of checks and balances are failsafe. We continue to fully implement the recommendations of our last audit and internal controls study, raising the bar for accountability and best business practices.

As we stated in January, it is the goal of the district that any individual involved in this incident will be held accountable to the maximum extent allowed by law. Should these proceedings result in proving the misuse of public funds, the district is prepared to pursue all possible legal avenues to ensure that those funds are fully restored.

The Mineola Board of Education,

RoseAnn Buglione

Donna Strein

Mary Ellen Williams

John McGrath

Steven Siwinski