Senator David Carlucci, Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, and Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski in conjunction with President Yehuda Weissmandl and the school board announced today that they have come together in an agreement that will provide additional resources and oversight to the East Ramapo School District. For months, all parties have been working together with Assembly and Senate Leadership, in addition to the Governor’s office to secure a deal before the conclusion of the legislative session. Last night the legislators introduced a bill that will bring $3 million to the district to restore student programs (A.10723/S.8131). In addition to the funding, the agreement will continue the appointment of the monitor(s) to the district as well as oversight over the new appropriations and budget review by the Commissioner of Education. The legislation will be in effect for one year.

The proposal will require that the new funding be used to restore programs that have been cut including extracurricular activities, support services and full-day kindergarten. The district, in consultation with the monitors, must develop a comprehensive expenditure plan that will detail how the new funding will be allocated. The public will have an opportunity to weigh in on the plan and the funding may only be provided to the district upon satisfaction to the Commissioner that the funds were spent appropriately.

The plan includes oversight that will be provided by the Commissioner of Education. Under the bill, the board must submit next year’s school budget for review to the Commissioner, who will have binding authority. They must also submit any sale of a public asset, capital contract or cut in public education programs for State Commissioner approval.

"I have been proud to fight for East Ramapo, and this new legislation will allow us to turn a corner and take the first step in restoring vital programming for our children. With the deal reached today, alongside my colleagues, the dedicated students and advocates throughout the community, our school district will have the oversight and funding it needs for success. The road to today's deal has been long, and our work is not yet done, however I am happy to say that East Ramapo is now moving in the right direction," said Senator David Carlucci.

"We were able to come to an agreement late last night, and as sponsor of this legislation I believe that this is one step of many that will help restore academic excellence for the public school students and foster a positive environment in the East Ramapo School District. This legislation will enhance collaboration between the State Education Department, the school board and community as well as provide additional funds for essential educational programs," said Assemblywoman Jaffee.

“After almost two years of contentious debate, this bill represents hope for the East Ramapo School District. Hope for meaningful oversight, restored opportunities and a future where both sides can come together for the best interests of the kids,” said Assemblyman Zebrowski.

"These additional resources will allow us to expand full-day kindergarten, music and the arts and other enhancements that will improve educational outcomes in East Ramapo. This is a source of great encouragement for our students, teachers and administrators. It really builds hope for a turnaround in the district,” said Dr. Wortham, Superintendent of East Ramapo School District.

“We are extremely pleased that Assembly Members Jaffe and Zebrowski and Senator Carlucci have secured an additional $3 million for the East Ramapo schools. This infusion of resources will help address funding inequities that have plagued the district for years. With the extra resources, we'll make targeted investments in academic programs and services. It will be done with input from state monitors and the involvement of the community, and the result will be an improvement the quality of education in the district. This development was made possible by everyone working together to benefit the students. With continued close cooperation, I am confident that we will continue and expand our progress. On behalf of everyone in the district, I want to thank Ellen, Ken and David for their extraordinary efforts on our behalf,” said East Ramapo School Board President Yehuda Weissmandl.

“On behalf of the Spring Valley NAACP and Rockland Clergy for Social Justice, we welcome the introduction of Assembly and Senate bills authorizing the Commissioner of Education to approve and amend East Ramapo's budget, and maintain the presence of state monitors. We are grateful the legislation authorizes an additional $3 million for the restoration of specific student services and programs. We wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Assemblywoman Jaffee, Assemblyman Zebrowski, Senator Carlucci, Governor Cuomo, Senators Flanagan and Klein and Speaker Heastie and Regent Johnson who came together on behalf of East Ramapo's children. While we realize the legislation is for one year, we are hopeful that its effectiveness will lead to its reauthorization contributing to the growth and development of our students,” concluded Willie Trotman, President SV NAACP and Oscar Cohen, Rockland Clergy for Social Justice.