Michael Geiss is completing his second five-year term on the Thousand Islands School Board. I had the privilege of working for Mike when I was school administrator in the district and, following my retirement, with Mike as a fellow board member.

I am writing this letter because I believe that we have to keep good members on our school board when they show the qualities that Mike possesses. He approaches each agenda item without prejudice, willing to hear all sides of proposals or problems whether they arrive from parents, taxpayers, teachers, students or administrators. His long tenure as an administrator in directing the Thousand Island Parks system assists his analysis of problems as presented and helps his perceptive resolution of problems.

He has been a champion of students wishing to move onto higher education as well as those seeking technical trades closer to home.

His voice on the board is one of serious, thoughtful consideration of topics discussed and decided upon. He reads the volumes of documents received before the meetings and is well prepared for each meeting's discussion. He recognizes and commends the improvements and successes our district accomplishes and works hard to amend those practices and needs as understood.

In my mind, it would be a significant loss for the Thousand Islands Central School District Board of Education should Mike receive inadequate support for his next term. I highly recommend his election to another term of office to benefit our district.

Michael F. Bashaw Sr.

Cape Vincent