Assemblyman Zebrowski on Today’s Report on the East Ramapo School District

“Today’s report confirms that significant reforms are necessary to protect public education in the East Ramapo School District. This is a district in crisis as verified by the spending habits, cuts to public education and lack of transparency of this Board. I fully support the appointment of a Fiscal Monitor with authority to reverse school board decisions. The appointment of a formal oversight monitor is a bold and meaningful step to ensure the quality of public education in this district.

The unique demographic makeup of this district results in increased costs in comparison to other districts. The State Aid formula must be amended to take these costs into consideration. Increased Aid, under the oversight of the Fiscal Monitor, will preserve and protect essential programs for students. In light of this report, I believe legislation I drafted in 2013 would amend the school aid formula to better reflect the fiscal needs of the district (http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A06879). This bill would amend the combined wealth ratio, recognizing the unique costs associated with the district’s large private school population; significantly increasing funds to the district. Under the current formula, East Ramapo is the second wealthiest district in Rockland County; if my legislation passes, East Ramapo would more realistically be considered one of the least wealthy districts in the County for aid purposes.

I share the concerns of many Rocklanders regarding the Superintendent’s recent comments about immigrant students. Mr. Greenberg’s suggestion that the State Education Department monitor and ensure services for these students will give parents and advocates peace of mind that the District properly educates these students.

The training recommendations for the Board should not be dismissed. Mr. Greenberg suggested training for the Board in the areas of diversity and NYS open meetings law requirements. All over corporate America, businesses are training their employees in diversity. Given the tremendous conflict between the Board and members of the community, this training could assist the Board in community relations. Furthermore, a consistent complaint of residents is the board time spent in executive session. No legislative body can properly debate public policy if 60-70% of the meetings are held in executive session. This is a blatant disregard of the State Open Meetings Law.

Finally, the suggestion for dialogue between all sides of this issue is imperative. Now that we have an independent, detailed analysis of the issues we must all sit down and work to repair this district. There is no more important issue then the education of children and the constant conflict surrounding the East Ramapo School District makes this goal impossible.”