Judge appoints three referees to study NYC School System

Daily Record (Rochester, NY), Aug 10, 2004 by Staff

A New York State Supreme Court judge has appointed three referees to hear and report recommendations on what measures New York State has taken to comply with the directives of the New York Court of Appeals ruling in Campaign for Fiscal Equity, Inc., et al. v. State of New York.

Pursuant to CPLR 4320 Judge Leland DeGrasse appointed John Feerick, former dean of Fordham University School of Law; E. Leo Milonas, former associate justice of the Appellate Division, First Department and currently with Pillsbury Winthrop, LLP; and William Thompson, former associate justice, Appellate Division, Second Department, now with Ross & Hill. Their report must be filed by Nov. 30.

On June 26, 2003 the state's highest court issued a ruling requiring the defendants to ascertain the actual cost of providing a sound basic education in New York City; ensure that every school in New York City has the resources necessary for providing the opportunity for a sound basic education; and ensure a system of accountability to measure whether the implemented reforms actually provide the opportunity for a sound basic education.

Specifically, Judge DeGrasse directed the referees to hear and report with recommendations on what measures defendants have taken to follow the foregoing directives and bring the state's school funding mechanism into constitutional compliance insofar as it affects the New York City School system.

The report will address teacher quality, school facilities and classrooms along with instrumentalities of learning. In addition, the referees will also identify any areas where compliance is lacking.