Board Of Regents Appoints New Member To Roosevelt Board Of Education

The Board of Regents today appointed a new member, Ms. Wilhelmina Funderburke, to the Roosevelt Union Free School District's Interim Board of Education. By unanimous vote, the Regents approved the appointment of Ms. Funderburke to fill a vacancy on the Board.

By law, the Regents are responsible for appointing members to the Roosevelt Interim Board of Education and for filling vacancies as they occur. The board consists of five members, at least three of whom must be residents of the district.

State Education Commissioner Richard Mills said, "The Regents have selected a highly qualified individual to fill the vacancy on the Roosevelt Board. Ms. Funderburke brings a unique set of skills and expertise to the position and I am confident she will help move the district forward. The people of Roosevelt will be well-served by today's appointment."

In September 2008, Regents appointee Carl DeHaney, Jr. resigned his board position, effective October 31, 2008. A public announcement of the vacancy was publicly posted. A Board of Regents interview panel, composed of Regents Roger Tilles, Milton Cofield and Betty Rosa, conducted interviews of final candidates on November 13, 2008 and recommended Ms. Funderburke to serve the remainder of Mr. DeHaney’s term.

Ms. Funderburke has been an active member of the Roosevelt community for over 20 years, including service as president of the Roosevelt Library Board, member of the Chamber of Commerce, chairperson of the Roosevelt Revitalization Group as well as a range of other activities to enhance opportunities for Roosevelt students and their families.

Board members are appointed (and may be reappointed) for terms ranging from one to five years. In May, 2007, and for each consecutive year through 2011, the residents of the Roosevelt community may elect a candidate to fill one of the positions on the Interim Board for a term of three years. In 2011, all board positions will be filled with members elected by the community.