By Scott Brinton
Two weeks ago, the state Senate passed the measure, which Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr. (R-Merrick) had sponsored. Both the Assembly and Senate passed appropriations bills that would provide $6 million in special-grant monies to Roosevelt for 2001-2002, and Gov. George Pataki signed off on the legislation.
Now, the takeover act goes to Pataki for his signature. Fuschillo declined to say whether the governor's approval was expected. He did, however, say, "Since he [the governor] passed the appropriation, I would say he would look favorably upon the [takeover] legislation."
Fuschillo also said, "I am extremely pleased that the Assembly has passed my legislation, which hopefully will result in providing a better education for the children of the Roosevelt School District, along with greater financial aid for the deficit-ridden school district."
The takeover bill would remove existing board of education members and allow for the appointment of five new trustees. It would also give the state education commissioner additional oversight authority over the school system to improve academic performance.
Additionally, the takeover legislation would keep Roosevelt whole and stave off breakup of the district, as proposed more than 1 1/2 years ago by state Education Commissioner Richard Mills.
