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George Santos is back in court Disgraced former congressman is scheduled for Sept. 16 federal trial Furthermore, Seybert rejected Santos’ team’s proposal that potential jurors would have to George Santos returned to fill out a written questionnaire the federal courthouse in Cen- regarding their opinions of the tral Isllip on Tuesday for what former congressman, in line should be his last appearance with the prosecutors’ assessbefore his trial formally begins ment. Both emphasized that adding the questionnaire would on Sept. 16. Showing none of his infamous swagger, the for- only slow down the jury selecmer congressman sat demurely tion process, while questioning potential jurors in before Judge Joanperson offered the na Seybert as his chance for more defense team, the nuanced and inforp ro s e c u t i o n a n d mative insight into the judge discussed their capability to the final steps serve on the jury. b e fo re t h e t r i a l “I’ve used quescommences. tionnaires before. Santos h a s JONATHAN TATUN They’re very ineffipleaded not guilty Heckler cient,” Seybert to over 20 counts of said. “The governfinancial crimes. T h e l i t a ny o f a l l e g at i o n s ment opposes it, and I agree.” The former congressman’s against him ranges from using campaign contributions for lawyers had previously argued personal expenses to unlawful- that the questionnaire, which ly collecting unemployment addressed potential jurors’ beliefs and preconceptions benefits. One of the most important about Santos, was necessary aspects concerned the selection due to the wide-ranging negaof the jury. Seybert explained tive media coverage he had that after the jury is selected, been subject to since the allegaset for Sept. 9, their identities tions of his widespread deceit will remain “partially anony- was first published nearly two mous,” or known only to the years ago. The prosecutors defense and the prosecution, maintained that the request per a request by Santos’ team. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
By WILL SHEELINE
wsheeline@liherald.com
Courtesy Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District
Bringing the Olympic spirit to Oyster Bay Students from James H. Vernon’s special-education classes had a blast competing in their very own Olympic Games. Story, more photos, Page 9.
Schools face reserve restrictions Locust Valley superintendent weighs in on challenges By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com
School districts across Nassau County, including those on the North Shore, are grappling with state-imposed restrictions on cash reserves, even as they seek to balance fiscal responsibility with the need for emergency funds. The issue has gained attention since a state report highlighted 19 Long Island districts that have accumulated cash reserves exceeding the legal limit of 4 percent of their budgets. Among the districts singled out were Brentwood, Freeport and Lawrence, which reported reserves as high as 15.5 percent of their budgets. While they face growing scrutiny from Albany, others, like the Locust Valley, North Shore, and
Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School Districts, have managed to stay below the 4 percent cap. Under state law, school districts are limited to holding no more than 4 percent of their annual spending in unrestricted reserves, commonly referred to as rainy day funds. These reserves provide a financial cushion for unexpected economic downturns or emergencies. Many district leaders argue, however, that the 4 percent limit is outdated and insufficient, particularly in the face of rising costs and unpredictable financial challenges. The Locust Valley Central School District, for instance, reported unrestricted reserves of just over $3.75 million, which was exactly 4 percent CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
I
wish he would just plead guilty.