East Ramapo School District

The unfortunate problems of the East Ramapo School District are outside of the jurisdiction of the County Legislature, but the effects of poor school board leadership are hurting us all.  The government issues are generally under the purview of the State and its Education Department, but the social issues and the impact of the problems reach inside and outside the East Ramapo Schools.  I have agreed to meet with concerned parents in East Ramapo to make sure that I know and understand all their concerns.  I have already spoken with our State Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski and our State Senator David Carlucci about the need for closer State scrutiny on this issue.  Both have assured me that they are working diligently at the State level to address our concerns about the leadership of the East Ramapo School District.

I am introducing local legislation that implores our state lawmakers to address both the method in which state aid is determined and to address alternative methods for monitoring the financial activities of local school boards.  The state must take steps to scrutinize local school board decisions to insure the accountability and integrity of the leadership.

On a social level, it is imperative that the discourse remains civil and that hatred, bigotry and prejudice remain out of bounds.  Tensions are high and emotions very strong, and it is in these times that we must remember that despite our differences, even with proposed changes, we will have to get along as citizens of our county.