Jaffee, Day, Wieder issue statements in support of East Ramapo bill

Jaffee Statement on Passage of East Ramapo Bill (A10723/S08131)

(Albany) “After working together for many years on many pieces of legislation with the advocates, parents, my colleagues and the State Education Department, I am pleased that this legislation passed both the Assembly and the Senate with bipartisan support. It is just a beginning. There is no question  –  much more work must be done. As an Assemblymember elected to serve in the Legislature, I am charged with ensuring that the public school students of East Ramapo get the quality education that is mandated by the State Education Department and that our state constitution guarantees them. This legislation is a significant and positive step forward in providing a long term-solution that addresses the unique needs of the East Ramapo School District. It establishes a framework of operational and fiscal support, oversight by the Monitors and the Commissioner of Education as well as providing additional reimbursable aid to the district to restore and enhance educational opportunities for students attending public schools. This legislation, which is supported by the East Ramapo School Board, the public school community and the advocates, will serve as a bridge, fostering a positive environment, enhancing collaboration and restoring the trust we need to continue the work ahead of us.”

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Rockland County Executive Ed Day praises East Ramapo bill

Rockland County Executive Ed Day today praised the bipartisan agreement reached by state lawmakers to provide oversight of the East Ramapo school district.

“It is not a cure and does not address all the injustices in East Ramapo,” he said. “It is a small step forward. There is a long journey ahead and that trek needs strict oversight and monitoring.”

Day has long supported a monitor to oversee the troubled district. He has lobbied state lawmakers in both parties to approve oversight for the district.

“I urge Gov. Cuomo to sign this legislation into law,” he said. “It is crucial to future of students in East Ramapo.”

The measure requires the Board of Education to submit its budget to the State Commissioner of Education, who will have the authority to make changes.

The bill also provides $3 million in additional funding for the district.

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Wieder Praises State Reps For East Ramapo Efforts

Continues Call for School Aid Formula Changes

New City (June 17, 2016) – Rockland County Legislator Aron B. Wieder is praising state Assembly Members Ellen Jaffee, Karl Brabenec and Ken Zebrowski and Senator David Carlucci for efforts that will bring $3 million of aid to the East Ramapo school district.

“I thank them for protecting the voting rights of their constituents by not appointing a monitor with veto powers over a democratically-elected school board, while also working out a compromise bill benefitting the entire community,” said Wieder (D-Spring Valley).

Wieder said the new law provides aid to the school district in exchange for the school board submitting its budget to the state Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia for her approval.

Rockland County government has a similar arrangement regarding its annual budget and a review by the state Comptroller.

“While the $3 million will be helpful, in the future I hope we will be able to address the inequities in the school aid formula for the East Ramapo school district,” Wieder said.

The bill next goes to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for his expected signature.