Education

A Day-by-Day Drama

July 14, 2004 1 min read
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Anthony S. Amato

  • Tuesday, June 1
    The Louisiana House of Representatives passes HB 1659, a bill to shift power from the New Orleans school board to the superintendent. Some Orleans Parish board members accuse district Superintendent Anthony S. Amato of supporting it.
  • Thursday, June 3
    A special school board meeting is scheduled for the next evening to deal with the superintendent. Some fear he could be fired.
  • Friday, June 4
    At the request of two supporters of Mr. Amato on the board, a federal court issues a restraining order barring his firing. Board recesses special meeting.
  • Tuesday, June 8
    A federal judge rejects attempt by critics of the superintendent on the school board to dissolve the court’s restraining order.
  • Wednesday, June 9
    The state Senate passes HB 1659 unanimously.

Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco

  • Thursday, June 10
    Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco signs HB 1659 into law, making it harder to terminate the New Orleans superintendent’s contract.

Critics and supporters of the superintendent on the school board call a legal truce.

A version of this article appeared in the July 14, 2004 edition of Education Week as A Day-by-Day Drama

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