The state Legislature has failed to reach a compromise solution over a state takeover for the primarily minority district, despite more than six months of wrangling. Now, Mills is holding the proverbial hammer above Roosevelt, apparently in hopes that the Legislature will move swiftly for a takeover.
Late last spring, the state Senate had passed a measure, sponsored by Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr. (R-Merrick), which would have allowed for a takeover. Details of the plan, however, have held it up in the Assembly. Sources say Assemblywoman Earlene Hooper Hill (D-Hempstead) believes the Senate takeover bill does not provide enough money for Roosevelt.
Both Fuschillo and Hill are reported to have worked hard to resolve the issue. That's why, by now, they should have come up with a solution. Communication between the two appears, in large part, to be the problem. Sen. Fuschillo has said in the past that Hill does not return phone calls. Certainly, Hill has never returned Herald calls.
The Senate and Assembly must work together ASAP to solve the Roosevelt question. Thousands of students, parents, teachers and school administrators, in and out of Roosevelt, are counting on their willingness and ability to help.
Meantime, last weekend, a newly formed council of South Shore civic associations convened a meeting over the possible breakup of the Roosevelt district. At least some Merrick-Bellmore civic leaders wanted to begin a letter-writing campaign to elected officials over the issue.
Having civic groups from the Massapequas to Lynbrook involved here would be nice, but it's unnecessary. What is needed is a coalition of civic, PTA and school board leaders from Roosevelt and surrounding, potentially affected districts.
Any letter-writing effort that does not include Roosevelt leaders could be perceived as racist in nature and easily dismissed. Including Roosevelt in the mix would add credibility and substance to such a campaign.
And there should be one.
The Herald has spent hours interviewing Roosevelt civic leaders about the fate of their school district. They don't want the district broken up any more than people in surrounding communities.
Bottom line: All involved parties should start talking more--and fast. No less than our children's future is at stake.
