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East Ramapo Oversight Bill Passes But Some Don't Think It's Enough

ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. -- The State Legislature voted last Thursday to provide $3 million to the East Ramapo School District, continue the appointment of monitors, and give the education commissioner oversight of the district's budget.

Tom DePrisco is running for New York State Senate. He serves as the Vice President of the Pearl River School District School Board and the Rockland County School Boards Association.

Tom DePrisco is running for New York State Senate. He serves as the Vice President of the Pearl River School District School Board and the Rockland County School Boards Association.

Photo Credit: Tom DePrisco for NYS Senate on Facebook

Rockland Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, and State Sen. David Carlucci who introduced the bill on June 13 in the state legislature applauded the bill’s passing as a victory.

"I think it turns a real corner in East Ramapo," Carlucci previously said if the bill were passed. He described the bill as a partnership between the State Department of Education and the Board of Education.​

Despite the additional funds and continued oversight provided by the bill, some feel it doesn't go far enough.

Tom DePrisco, the Republican candidate for the 38th Senate District called the legislation a "slap in the face" and a "Band-Aid" in a statement he released last Tuesday.

​"The proposed last-minute legislation (S8131 / A10723) that it is supposed to provide $3 million relief for the East Ramapo School District is a total disgrace and a slap in the face to every one of its public school students and teachers," he said.

DePrisco was also critical of a previous compromise bill that Carlucci proposed a year ago, which he said would have given East Ramapo around $5 million per year for three years. 

"This year’s proposal is taking a huge step backwards. Why? $14 million per year is required to restore the massive cuts made to public education programs in East Ramapo," DePrisco said.

Click here to read the background of the bill at Daily Voice.

Click here to read a background of the bill at lohud.com.

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