Current Events
New York City Special Master Nominated
Milonas Is City's Choice for Special Master on School Funding
New York Law Journal Former Chief Administrative Judge E. Leo Milonas has emerged as New York City's nominee for special master if the state Legislature and Governor George E. Pataki are unable to resolve an education funding crisis. Lawmakers are under orders from the Court of Appeals to come up with and begin implementing a plan to improve the quality of schools in New York City. However, the state is unlikely to meet the Friday deadline due to a stalemate in Albany. Justice Leland DeGrasse of Manhattan Supreme Court has directed the parties to recommend one or more special masters. Justice DeGrasse said he would appoint either one or three on Tuesday if the Legislature, which returns to the capital on Monday, fails to act. The lead plaintiff, the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, has recommended Robert Berne, a senior vice president at New York University; Richard Elmore, a professor at Harvard's Graduate School of Education; Alvin Thornton, associate provost at Howard University; John Kiernan, a partner at Debevoise & Plimpton; and Carol Bellamy, executive director of UNICEF. Mr. Pataki has not yet made a recommendation. - John Caher |