STATEMENT BY YEHUDA WEISMANDL, PRESIDENT OF THE EAST RAMAPO CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT , REGARDING THE POSITION OF SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT

There has been significant change in the East Ramapo Central School District in recent months with more changes to come.

In this regard, we were informed recently by Dr. Klein of his desire to retire as soon as a replacement could be found.

Dr. Klein’s departure was not unexpected. He is serving in the last year of his contract after an outstanding career that spans five decades as an educator.

Anticipating his retirement, we recently began a search for a qualified replacement. With the assistance of the state monitors , we have now identified an extraordinary individual who can serve as an interim superintendent.

This individual, Dr. Deborah L. Wortham, specializes in the complex educational challenges that we face in East Ramapo . Yesterday, we finalized an agreement with her to serve as interim superintendent beginning November 2. Dr. Klein will step down at that time.

Per a previous commitment by the Board of Education, a final decision on the superintendent’s position will be made after we consider community input.

On behalf of the board and the entire staff of the district, I want to thank Dr. Klein for his dedicated service. He is a truly honorable man who did his best under difficult circumstances.

The transition to a new superintendent will entail new approaches to the problems we face in the district.  We hope and expect that this will be an encouraging development for all those who care deeply about the children of East Ramapo .