Power of Ten Update
In This Issue:

1. Superintendent Klein in Trouble Again!
2. Rally tonight – Oct 21 at 7 PM
3. Ward system forum canceled
4. East Ramapo Play Thursday

1) Superintendent Klein in Trouble Again!

The superintendent of East Ramapo school district has faced protesters calling for his resignation because of comments he made about Latino students. You might think that now he would be more careful with his words, but you would be wrong. When the Spring Valley NAACP wrote to him politely requesting clarification of his comments, he wrote back a less-than-polite response, and sent a copy to the state. Well, the NYSED fiscal monitor found there was cause for concern in both Dr. Klein’s comments and his tone with the NAACP. He is now requiring the district to show how they are providing education to English Language Learners.

The Journal News: East Ramapo: Compliance on immigrant rights questioned

2) Rally tonight – Oct 21 at 7 PM

The comments made by the superintendent of schools have brought into question the districts commitment to serving all of its students, and even its understanding of the law that requires it to serve all equally. 

Please join us in a rally right before the next regularly scheduled school board meeting.  We will once again call for Dr. Klein to resign. As the districts highest paid employee, he should be held to the highest standard.

Tuesday, October 21 at 7:00 PM
105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley

3) Ward system forum canceled

The forum about the ward system which had been scheduled for Thursday October 23 at the Kurtz Center in Spring Valley has been canceled.

4) East Ramapo Play Wednesday

The Journal News: East Ramapo conversation, play, at Threefold on Wednesday

When: Wednesday, October 22 7-9 pm FREE
Where:Threefold Auditorium, 260 Hungry Hollow Rd., Chestnut Ridge, NY
Information: Contact Abigail Dancey
abigail@threefold.org or 845-352-5020 X25.

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:
1. Malala wins the Nobel Peace Prize!!!
2. Protest Discrimination Continues October 21
3. East Ramapo the play returns on October 22
4. Community Forum on the Ward System Proposal for Ramapo October 23
5. Panel on Environmental and Racial Justice in Nyack October 23

1) Malala wins Nobel Peace Prize!!!

On winning the prize, she said “This award is courage and hope for me and all those who fight for education.”

I want to share this message with all of you you fight for education in East Ramapo. This is courage and hope for all of us.

Her full comments: Today, I was honoured to learn I will receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

I am proud I am the first young person and first Pakistani to win this prize. It is an honour I share with Kailash Satyarthi — a hero in the fight for children globally. More than ever, our world needs more heroes like Kailash.

I believe the Nobel committee didn’t give this award to me. I believe they have done this because they believe education is the best weapon through which we can fight poverty, ignorance and terrorism.

I believe they did this because they don’t believe in just one girl, but in all the girls whose voices need to be heard, who are under the darkness of conflict or poverty. This award is for my powerful sisters who have not been listened to for far too long.

And I raise their voices, I stand together with them.

I believe they did this because they believe we are #StrongerThan any challenge. We are #StrongerThan fear. This award is courage and hope for me and all those who fight for education.

When I found out that I won today when I was in school, studying Chemistry. I told my teacher I needed to finish my school assignment. Education is my top priority. I was learning with my friends, where I believe every child should be. But 57 million of them are still out school. We still have a lot to do.

The road to education, peace and equality is very long. But I know millions of children are walking beside me. If we go together, we will achieve our goals and we will complete our journey. We have to walk together.

I am honoured to walk this road with Kailash. I am honoured to walk it with you.

With Gratitude and Hope,
— Malala
www.malala.org

2) Protest Discrimination Continues October 21

Superintendent Klein has made comments which are offensive to immigrants. He has failed to apologize. No school board member has called on him to apologize. Now we must call for his resignation. We will continue the protest on October 21st.

Superintendente Klein ha hecho comentarios que son ofensivos para los inmigrantes. Ha fallado a disculparse. Ningún miembro de la junta escolar ha hecho un llamado a él para pedir disculpas. Ahora tenemos que pedir su dimisión. Vamos a continuar la protesta el 21 de octubre.

Tuesday, October 21, at 7:00 PM
East Ramapo District Office Building
105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley

3) East Ramapo Play Returns

EAST RAMAPO, written by Mark Judelson, is a dramatic series of monologues and conversations of individuals directly involved in the East Ramapo Central School District. The evening will begin with a conversation facilitated by internationally known facilitator Roberta Wall (steps2peace.com) about the issues surrounding our school district. Using the principles of Nonviolent Communication ( wwww.cnvc.org ) Roberta will guide us in a model of conversation and small group processes that are meant to create connection around each point of view and the humanity of each speaker. This model will lay the basis for continuing a new type of conversation and connection among all of us. A special performance of East Ramapo will follow.

When: Wednesday, October 22 7-9 pm FREE
Where:Threefold Auditorium, 260 Hungry Hollow Rd., Chestnut Ridge, NY
Information: Contact Abigail Dancey
abigail@threefold.org or 845-352-5020 X25.

4) Community Forum on the Ward System Proposal for Ramapo October 23

A community Forum on the Pros and Cons of a ward system for Ramapo. Sponsored by Wake Up Rockland.
Come out to lean the Who, Why, Where, When and How of the Yes-Yes and the No-No vote on the referendum!!! Hear from all sides of the debate, plus experts in the field.
And you thought politics was boring!!!

When: Thursday, October 23, 6:00-8:30pm FREE
Where: Louis Kurtz Civic Center, 9 North Main Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977

5) Panel on Environmental and Racial Justice in Nyack October 23

What are the common links and solutions? Come help us find the answers…
Keynote speaker and Panelists:
Brian Jones Green Party Candidate for Lt. Governor
Marilyn Elie – Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition
Haley Pessin – Rockland Coalition to End the New Jim Crow

Where: The Fellowship of Reconciliation 521 N. Broadway Nyack NY
When: Thursday October 23 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Admission is free and there will be free Refreshments

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. Speakers at Rally Demand Supt. Klein Resign over Offensive Remarks
2. Justice Walker in Spring Valley Friday
3. General Election Candidates’ Forum Oct 15

1) Speakers at Rally Demand Supt. Klein Resign over Offensive Remarks

As the days and weeks have passed since Supt. Klein’s offensive remarks at an August board meeting, the unanswered calls for an apology have turned into a demand for his resignation. Adding insult to injury, Klein claims that the video was not a true representation of his words. Each missed opportunity for an apology is another offense to our students. The board fails to hold him accountable, just as they failed to hold Chris Kirby or Al D’Agostino accountable. It is because of the terrible power wielded by the bloc vote that elected officials can condone such offensive behavior.

The Journal News: East Ramapo protesters: ‘It’s discrimination’

2) Justice Walker in Spring Valley Friday

NYS Supreme Court Justice, Hon. Sam Walker will be the guest speaker at this Friday’s JAMCCAR meeting. The topic will be “Law Enforcement and Us: Ferguson and Beyond” – October 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Louis Kurtz Civic Center, 9 North Main Street, Spring Valley, New York

3) General Election Candidates’ Forum – next Wednesday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Hosted by Spring Valley NAACP, Nyack NAACP and JAMCCAR.
Louis Kurtz Civic Center, 9 North Main Street, Spring Valley, New York
Candidates for:
United States House of Representatives 17th District
New York State Senate 38th District
New York State Assembly 96th, 97th, and 98th Districts
Legislator 5th District
Town of Ramapo, Town Justice
Village of Spring Valley Trustee
Village of Nyack Trustee
County Court Judge

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Protest Discrimination
2. Election Results
3. Football Fields an Embarrassment

1) Protest Discrimination Today: Tuesday, October 7

The offensive comments made by the superintendent of schools have brought into focus the many ways the district is failing the majority of its students. Community members are calling for the superintendent to resign, asking for an apology, demanding a quality education, and asking that the board return its focus to providing that education.

Please Join us in a rally right before the next regularly scheduled school board meeting:

Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00 PM
105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley

2) Election Results (or lack thereof)

There are no results to be reported because of possible fraud.

CBS Channel 2 News: Ramapo Town Election Results On Hold Due To Criminal Investigation

The Journal News: Judge orders Ramapo referendum votes impounded

If you have information such as:

1. Being turned away by your polling station and not allowed to vote either because you were not registered or your name did not appear on the registration rolls.
2. Witnessing people entering the polling station with affidavit ballots already filled out.
3. Being turned down for an absentee ballot by the Town Clerk.
4. If you were a poll worker at a polling station and were told to turn people away who were not registered to vote or if you are aware of whether your polling station had affidavit ballots available to people who were not registered to vote. We are interested in what your training was and what you were told to do.

Please contact Joseph Meyers at joe@legislatorjoemeyers.com
More information on what to do at: www.preserveramapo.org

3) Former Coach reports on conditions at games

Just came back from the SVHS football game. It is embarrassing to have anyone come to a game. The bleachers were closed because they are falling apart. The weeds have grown around the fence and track. The once beautiful rock backdrop is overgrown with weeds and bushes and generally looks like many of the homes in Monsey. No band. No cheerleaders. Visiting teams parents sit on ground or bring their own chairs. No snack bar. The fields are dry and dusty and generally disgusting.

This cannot be the Spring Valley my wife grew up in. It cannot be the Spring Valley I worked and Coached in for all those years. This B of E has made this a mockery. I really feel bad for those kids who dream of sports and their future in college. I see how our kids are being degraded and in spite of the B of E they made a great game and always conducted themselves with class and sportsmanship.

Tiger football is blessed to have great coaches who teach respect and fairplay. Unfortunately the same can’t be said of those leaders of the district who claim to educate children. Perhaps the coaching staff should be on the B of E. Great work Coach Delva and staff. -Mark Katz SVHS Football Coach retired but not forgetting the Orange and Black.

Power of Ten

Reminder: Election Today, vote YES and YES for more democracy

Please personally contact 10 people and remind them to vote!

Polls are open until 10:00 PM.

Perhaps the best explanation why we should vote YES and YES is this letter from Democratic Assembly members Jaffee and Zebrowski: http://www.ellenjaffee.com/assemblymembers-jaffee-and-zebrowski-encourage-ramapo-residents-to-vote-yes-on-proposed-ward-system/

According to a report in the Journal News, you do not need to be a registered voter to vote today!!!

More information on the ward system is available at: http://www.vote6wards.org/

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Students meet with Fiscal Monitor
2. Ward System Vote Sept. 30
3. Petition to President Obama: Investigate East Ramapo!
4. Correction regarding rally coverage
5. Next Rally is October 7

1) Students meet with Fiscal Monitor

Former and current East Ramapo students met with the fiscal monitor appointed at Governor Cuomo’s request.  The image they conveyed of the status of East Ramapo was dire. We hope Governor Cuomo is getting the message; we are waiting for him to act decisively.

The Journal News: East Ramapo contingent takes concerns over cuts to fiscal monitor

2) Ward System Vote Sept. 30

A new website has been set up to explain the proposed ward system for the Town of Ramapo.  The address is www.vote6wards.org

There will be an informational meeting on the subject on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, at the Hillcrest Firehouse, 300 North Main Street, Hillcrest (Across the street from the Bravo shopping center) – Lower level meeting hall in rear of building.

3) Petition to President Obama: Investigate East Ramapo

A petition has been started using the official White House petition page, asking the federal government to “Launch a federal investigation into the methods and means the East Ramapo School Board has utilized to strip the public schools of funding and programs and investigate why the State of New York has failed to insure that the public school students in this district receive an adequate education that would help prepare them to better their lives and move on to a brighter future.”

Please sign this petition, and encourage everyone you know to do the same.

It appears that the petiton was started by someone in Nebraska!  Perhaps someone who heard the report about East Ramapo on This American Life?  You can listen for yourself using the embedded player right on www.poweroften.us

4) Correction Regarding Rally Coverage

In the last update, there was a broken link to some excellent coverage of the rally on September 16.

The correct link:

Abeng News: NY School Official’s Comments on Hispanics Spark Rolling Protests

There is a petition asking the district not to discriminate against Latinos, we are hoping to get 1000 signers, as of now it is almost halfway. Please sign this petition.

5) The Next Rally is October 7

The offensive comments made by the superintendent of schools have brought into focus the many ways the district is failing the majority of its students. Community members are calling for the superintendent to resign, asking for an apology, demanding a quality education, and asking that the board return its focus to providing that education.

Please Join us in a rally right before the next regularly scheduled school board meeting:

Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00 PM
105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley

Please also join the FaceBook event for this rally 

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. This American Life
2. Education, Not Discrimination
3. Ramapo Vote on September 30
4. Haitian Nurses Association Dinner

1) This American Life

All this weekend, East Ramapo was the topic of discussion at dinner tables around the country. National Public Radio aired an episode of “This American Life” called “A Not So Simple Majority”. The show can now be heard in its entirety embedded on our homepage. Follow the link to read the transcript or see photos on the NPR website.

2) Education, Not Discrimination

People continue to react to Superintendent Klein’s remarks about Latino students. There was another rally on Tuesday, even though the board meeting was cancelled.
Video of the rally is available here: http://youtu.be/j_DHcKIG3Ao
The rally was covered by Abeng News Magazine
The Journal News published a letter on the topic by Yours Truly
The next rally will take place on October 7, at 7:00 PM at the central adminiatration building, 105 S. Madison ave in Spring Valley
There is a FaceBook page for this rally, please invite your friends: https://www.facebook.com/events/1487900958160521
There is a petition online regarding Dr. Klein’s offensive comments at: http://poweroften.us/east-ramapo-dont-discriminate/

3) Ramapo Vote September 30

There will be a special election for Town of Ramapo residents to decide if they want to adopt a ward system for the town council. This is a very important vote! Information is available at www.preserveramapo.org.

“Democracy functions best when it is representational. A ward system would allow Town officials to be more responsive to local issues. It would provide more opportunity for residents to have a place at the table and their voices heard. I encourage Ramapo residents to vote ‘Yes’ on both ballot questions at their regular polling places on September 30th.” Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (D-Suffern)

“Ramapo is one of the largest towns in the State and a ward system would benefit all the residents by encouraging more participation and debate among the Town’s diverse population. I urge residents to vote ‘Yes’ on the two ballot questions on September 30th. Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski (D-New City)

4) HANA Dinner Dance

This Saturday, Sept. 20th, the Rockland Chapter of the Haitian American Nurses Association will be holding their Scholarship and Awards Fund Raising Gala 8pm at the Colonial Inn 545 Tappan Road, Norwood, NJ.

HANA volunteers services to communities in need both here and in Haiti as well as other countries in need. HANA also provides scholarships for Nursing School students in Haiti as well as Ramapo and Spring Valley High School Graduates.

The Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. East Ramapo on National Public Radio!!!
2. What have we learned from Ferguson?
3. Rally for Education, not Discrimination (continued)
4. Forum about East Ramapo
5. East Ramapo Underground Show Today

1) East Ramapo on NPR!!!

This American Life, the award winning NPR radio show,  will air A Not So Simple Majority, a show produced by Ben Calhoun about the conflict in the East Ramapo public schools!!!

The schedule for airing in the NY area is:

• Saturday, September 13, FM station 93.9  at 1:00 p.m. and AM Station 820 at 3 p.m.
• Sunday, September 14, FM station 93.9  at 7:00 p.m
• Tuesday, September 16, FM station 93.9  at 8:00 p.m
• Starting Sunday evening the program will be streamed online at thisamericanlife.org

This American Life is a weekly public radio show broadcast on more than 500 stations to about 2.1 million listeners. It is produced by Chicago Public Media, delivered to stations by PRX The Public Radio Exchange, and has won all of the major broadcasting awards. It is also often the most popular podcast in the country, with around one million people downloading each week. 

2) What have we learned from Ferguson?

Saturday, Sept 13 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the First Baptist Church, 6 Rev Dr. McWilliams Way (Hoyt St) in Spring Valley

Issue: How can the shooting of an unarmed young man by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri inform us to build a safer, stronger and more vibrant community in Rockland?

Moderator: Kenneth Mercer, Rockland County Community Leader. Panelists: Wilbur T. Aldridge, Director, Mid-Hudson, Westchester NAACP; Ashley Okonkwo, Educator, Community Service Volunteer; Louis Falco, Rockland County Sheriff; Reverend Dr. Weldon McWilliams IV, Associate Minister First Baptist Church, Spring Valley

“We want to ensure that what happen in Ferguson, Missouri won’t be repeated in our community. Law enforcement and community members need to know and understand one another. This coming together is a step in developing a dialogue” Reverend Weldon McWilliams, IV, Ph.D.

Join the event on Facebook

Sponsored by the Spring Valley Branch (NAACP), Power of Ten, and Rockland Coalition To End The New Jim Crow

3) Rally for Education, not Discrimination (continued)

At the August 19 school board meeting, Dr. Klein proposed an “alternate transitional program” for Hispanic students. He made it clear that the students would not be registered in high school, but rather be provided with free food and English lessons. His comments were deeply offensive. Many from the community went to the next board meeting on Sept 2nd to protest. We will continue the protest on Sept 16th. Please also sign the petition at: http://poweroften.us/east-ramapo-dont-discriminate/

En la reunión de la junta escolar el 19 de agosto, el Dr. Klein propone un “programa de transición alternativo” para los estudiantes hispanos. Dijo que los estudiantes no se registrarían en la escuela secundaria, en su lugar tendrán comida gratis y lecciones de inglés. Sus comentarios fueron profundamente ofensivos. Muchos de la comunidad fueron a la próxima reunión del Consejo el 2 de septiembre para protestar. Vamos a continuar la protesta el 16 de septiembre. Por favor también firmar la petición en: http://poweroften.us/east-ramapo-dont-discriminate/

Tuesday Sept 16 at 7:00 PM
East Ramapo District Office Building
105 South Madison ave, Spring Valley

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1534542476774752

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Vote on Tuesday, Sept 9
2. What have we learned from Ferguson?
3. Rally for Education, not Discrimination (continued)

1) Vote on Tuesday, Sept 9

What happens in local elections does affect our situation in the schools.  It is important for us all to go out and vote.  To vote in a party primary election, you need to be a member of that party.

Unfortunately, with the cutbacks that have affected local media, there is very little local information available. The Journal News used to do interviews and endorsements, but no more. This article is all I could find about local candidates.

Fortunately, another local media outlet, www.preserveramapo.org, still does local election coverage and endorsements.

In depth Info on these candidates is available from Preserve Ramapo:

Democratic Primary:

Christine Theodore for Ramapo Town Justice

Ken Zebrowski for NY State Assembly 96th District

Zephyr Teachout and Timothy Wu NY Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Republican Primary:

Dan Castricone NY State Assembly 98th District

Preserve Ramapo has also done excellent coverage on East Ramapo issues over the years. A search of the site reveals 365 references to East Ramapo.  A special thanks is owed to Michael Castelluccio, the webmaster.

2) What have we learned from Ferguson?

A Community Forum presented by Wake Up Rockland. The program will feature a panel and a Q&A session with the community. Panelists include Wilbur T. Aldridge, Ashley Okonkwo, Sheriff Louis Falco and Rev. Weldon McWilliams IV.

Saturday, Sept 13 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the First Baptist Church, 6 Rev Dr. McWilliams Way (Hoyt St) in Spring Valley

Join the event on Facebook

Sponsored by the Spring Valley Branch (NAACP), Power of Ten, and Rockland Coalition To End The New Jim Crow

3) Rally for Education, not Discrimination (continued)

At the August 19 school board meeting, Dr. Klein proposed an “alternate transitional program” for Hispanic students. He made it clear that the students would not be registered in high school, but rather be provided with free food and English lessons. His comments were deeply offensive. Many from the community went to the next board meeting on Sept 2nd to protest. We will continue the protest on Sept 16th. Please also sign the petition at: http://poweroften.us/east-ramapo-dont-discriminate/

En la reunión de la junta escolar el 19 de agosto, el Dr. Klein propone un “programa de transición alternativo” para los estudiantes hispanos. Dijo que los estudiantes no se registrarían en la escuela secundaria, en su lugar tendrán comida gratis y lecciones de inglés. Sus comentarios fueron profundamente ofensivos. Muchos de la comunidad fueron a la próxima reunión del Consejo el 2 de septiembre para protestar. Vamos a continuar la protesta el 16 de septiembre. Por favor también firmar la petición en: http://poweroften.us/east-ramapo-dont-discriminate/

Tuesday Sept 16 at 7:00 PM
East Ramapo District Office Building
105 South Madison ave, Spring Valley

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1534542476774752

The Power of Ten

In This Issue:

1. Community Rallies Against Discrimination
2. NAACP Hosts Candidates Forum Tonight
3. Follow Up Rally Coming on September 16
4. Petition still open
5. Message from the editor

1) Community Rallies Against Discrimination

The Journal News: Immigrants decry East Ramapo chief’s dropout comments

Journal News Images: East Ramapo school superintendent’s remark spark immigrants to protest

Photographer’s Pictures: Rally Protesting Discrimination in East Ramapo School District

News 12: Protesters claim discrimination in East Ramapo schools

The Rally was also covered by Channel 47 Telemundo

2) NAACP Hosts Candidates Forum Tonight

The Spring Valley NAACP and The Jamaican Civic and Cultural Association of Rockland (JAMCCAR) are collaborating in hosting a Primary Candidates Forum. The Forum will introduce to the community at large, all candidates seeking elected positions for the upcoming September 9, 2014 Primary Elections. All candidates (Board of Elections-listing) have been invited.

The Forum will be held on Thursday September 4, 2014 at the Louis Kurtz Center, Main/Madison Avenue, Spring Valley, NY. It will begin at 6:30 pm.

3) Follow Up Rally Coming on September 16

Participants at the Sept 2 Rally indicated that they intend to return at the next school board meeting to again emphasize their displeasure with Superintendent Klein’s comments and to advocate for equal treatment and quality education for all students. Please help spread the word.

Tuesday Sept 16 at 7:00 PM
East Ramapo District Office Building
105 South Madison ave, Spring Valley

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1534542476774752

4) Petition still open

There is a petition to the school board asking them not to discriminate but rather to restore the program cuts that affect services for immigrants. Please sign at http://poweroften.us/east-ramapo-dont-discriminate/

5) Message from the editor

So many people turned out for the Rally on Tuesday that they could not fit in the meeting room!!! Many had to stand outside in the hallway.  They brought signs and stories and children.  They came because they know what the Superintendent had said was wrong.  They know that the young people who go to register for school, of whatever age, want to have ALL of the opportunities that a public education system has to offer.  A chance to play in the band, to be on the team, to learn history, and science, to do experiments in the lab or design graphics in the art department.  The East Ramapo School Board does not want to recognize that immigrants are dreamers.  They have cut programs that Latino children depend on to fulfill their dreams, while at the same time spending wildly on lawyers to defend themselves and their discriminatory policies from the NY State Education Department, the NY Attorney General, the parents and the taxpayers.  Dr. Klein’s comments address immigrant youth who come to his district as laborers, not dreamers. His summary dismissal of the dreams of students who are “from Central and South America”, “illegal”, and “15 or over” as if somehow they show up to register for school but don’t really want the same education as everyone else is the definition of racism.  There are many young people who sadly don’t register for school. Those who do register are by definition the ones who want an education.  Instead of trying to limit these young people who are inspired to keep trying, the district should be reaching out to the community to promote the benefits of education to those who are not coming to apply.

Power of Ten Update

Reminder: Rally September 2

1. Rally Sept 2 to Protest Discrimination in East Ramapo
2. Sign the Petition: East Ramapo, Don’t Discriminate
3. Join the Event on Facebook

1. Rally Sept 2 to Protest Discrimination in East Ramapo

Tuesday, September 2, at 7:00 PM
East Ramapo District Office Building
105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley

We are calling on all parents, students, neighbors, and everyone who is shocked by this racist policy to come to the next school board meeting. Please do not fail to attend this important meeting for the future of our youth. When one group is targeted, we are all victims!!!

Bring your own sign if you can.  Some ideas for signs:

1. Education is my dream!
2. We all deserve a chance to succeed!
3. We all have rights!
4. No matter where I came from all I want is to have a better life!
5. We are the future!
6. Education, not discrimination!
7. Klein must resign!

2. Sign the Petition: East Ramapo, Don’t Discriminate

Please also sign the petition at: http://poweroften.us/east-ramapo-dont-discriminate

3. Join the Event on Facebook

These days one of the best ways to spread the word is by inviting Facebook friends to come to an event. Please join online and invite all your friends too!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1454336758178648/

Power of Ten Update

Special Issue: Protest Discrimination in East Ramapo

1. Rally Sept 2 to Protest Discrimination in East Ramapo
2. Sign the Petition: East Ramapo, Don’t Discriminate
3. Join the Event on Facebook

1. Rally Sept 2 to Protest Discrimination in East Ramapo

Tuesday, September 2, at 7:00 PM
East Ramapo District Office Building
105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley

At the August 19 school board meeting, Dr. Klein proposed an “alternate transitional program” for Hispanic students. He made it clear that the students would not be registered in high school, but rather be provided with free food and English lessons. His comments were deeply offensive. This program would discriminate against students based on their ethnicity. We are calling on all parents, students, neighbors, and everyone who is shocked by this racist policy to come to the next school board meeting.

New York State law says a person under twenty-one years of age is entitled to a public education. East Ramapo Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joel Klein, who is responsible to deliver what the law requires, seems to feel that this law should apply to some people but not others. He wants to discriminate against: Hispanics, Teenage Parents, Immigrants, and Low-income people in general. Please do not fail to attend this important meeting for the future of our youth. When one group is targeted, we are all victims!!!

2. Sign the Petition: East Ramapo, Don’t Discriminate

Please also sign the petition at: http://poweroften.us/east-ramapo-dont-discriminate

“…We call on you to cancel plans to segregate these students and instead focus on providing them the best education possible. We reject a second class status for some students. We call on you to restore the programs that have been cut in recent years, including those specifically designed to help English language learners and students, such as SIFE (students with interrupted formal education) and the intensive summer English program.”

3. Join the Event on Facebook

These days one of the best ways to spread the word is by inviting Facebook friends to come to an event. Please join online and invite all your friends too!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1454336758178648/

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. GUILTY: Appraiser Sentenced in Hillcrest Elementary Sale
2. School Board votes to sell Colton, Hillcrest AGAIN!
3. Activist Threatened by School Superintendent
4. FUNraiser at Friendly’s Restaurant August 21
5. Message from the Editor

1. GUILTY: Appraiser Sentenced in Hillcrest Elementary Sale

Back in 2010, the school board voted to sell Hillcrest Elementary School.  The sale was stopped by the Commissioner of Education and investigated by the NY State Attorney General. The appraiser was arrested last year and has now plead guilty and received his sentence in Clarkstown Justice Court.

The Journal News: E. Ramapo school sale: appraiser pleads to misdemeanor

Preserve Ramapo: “The Investigation Continues”

2. School Board votes to sell Colton, Hillcrest AGAIN!

Back in 2009, the district claimed that decreasing enrollment was the reason they wanted to sell schools. Since then, enrollment is up, with more than 1000 more students than the district had projected! Given the high demand of the private school sector for new space, and the limited supply of real estate in overbuilt Rockland, real estate values would be expected to skyrocket.  Why is the district selling off much needed classroom space at below market values? 

The Journal News: East Ramapo completes school sale to yeshiva tenants

The Journal News: East Ramapo: Board votes to sell Hillcrest school to yeshiva

3. Activist Threatened by School Superintendent

Trespassing wasn’t considered to be a big deal for the East Ramapo school board or Superintendent, even when dozens of strangers were on school grounds during recess. However, now that one intrepid activist has taken his camera to document failures to maintain and secure our schools, they have decided that, in this case, trespassing is a problem. 

The Journal News: East Ramapo bans activist from schools

4. Class Action Lawsuit Continues, FUNraiser on August 21

Another fundraiser for Advocates for Justice has been organized by a Power of Ten Reader! 

This one will be at Friendly’s Restaurant in Suffern, on Thursday August 21 from 8:00 – 10:30 PM.

Come join us at 15 N. Airmont Rd, Suffern NY for food and fun! 20% of all sales will be donated to A4J!!!

Friendly’s phone number is 845-357-7444

Maybe you have a fundraising idea too? Contact A4J Executive Director Liz Turner at lturner@advocatesny.com; (212) 285-1400, Ext. 703) to share your idea!

If you’re unable to attend but want to make a donation, go to www.poweroften.us and click on the Donate button.

5. Message from the Editor

In the 54 days since Governor Cuomo announced the appointment of a fiscal monitor for East Ramapo, the district has taken decisive action to complete the sale of two schools. By now, the monitor must know that: the Attorney General is continuing his investigation into previous attempts to sell school property; an appraiser hired by the district has plead guilty to filing false documents; and the Commissioner of Education previously found that “the board abused its discretion by hastily approving the sale of Hillcrest”.

Now that Governor Cuomo has personally involved himself in the plight of East Ramapo, the course of events in the district is under his responsibility and on his watch. Just as we have thanked him for it promising action, we must hold him accountable for results. Education is a right guaranteed by the NY State Constitution, and the East Ramapo school board derives its power 100% from NY State. The school board has flouted the authority of the State Education Department; is evading oversight and undermining the authority of the fiscal monitor and the governor by pushing through real estate transactions before the monitor had even one month on the job. The Governor can stop this; if not now, when?

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Clergy Applauds Cuomo for Appointing Monitor
2. School Board Hires D’Agostino Again
3. Two upcoming fundraisers for Advocates for Justice

1) Clergy Applauds Cuomo for Appointing Monitor

Rockland Clergy for Social Justice applauded Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch and Education Commissioner John King for their appointment of Mr. Henry Greenberg as state fiscal monitor for East Ramapo in a Community View in the Journal News: East Ramapo deserves fiscal monitor

The Power of Ten applauds them also!!!

Please call Governor Cuomo and thank him: (518) 474-8390

2) School Board Hires D’Agostino Again!?!?

The East Ramapo School Board faced hundreds of angry students last April chanting “D’Agostino Must Go!” after he verbally abused a student.  They did not even comment on the incident.  Three months later his associate was caught on camera hurling profanity at a parent.  The video went viral and public outrage included the media and elected officials. So the district announced that a transition to a new firm would take place.  One year later, after the worldwide scrutiny has died down, the board does the exact opposite of what they said they would do. The action brought quick condemnation from every level of civil society, but the East Ramapo school board appears to be insulated from any accountability for their actions, due to unwavering support from their ‘bloc’ vote. The system of local control of school governance usually works well to benefit the families and promote a better society through education, but East Ramapo shows this is not always the case.  

The Journal News Editorial: East Ramapo’s lawyer games

3) Upcoming Fundraisers

The following fundraisers were organized by Power of Ten Readers.  Maybe you have a fundraising idea too? Contact A4J Executive Director Liz Turner at  lturner@advocatesny.com; (212) 285-1400, Ext. 703) to share your idea!

If you’re unable to attend but want to make a donation, go to www.poweroften.us and click on the Donate button.

Frozen Yogurt Fundraiser:

DATE: Tuesday, July 29 from 5 to 8 p.m.

WHAT: Fundraiser to benefit Advocates for Justice – East Ramapo litigation. A percentage of all food and products sold on that day during that 3-hour window will be donated to Advocates for Justice. A representative from Advocates for Justice will be there to greet attendees and to answer questions. Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends for a tasty, healthy treat while supporting a wonderful non-profit.

LOCATION: Sweet Frog Connecticut
63 Hebron Avenue
Glastonbury, Connecticut 

ORGANIZER: Laurie Meotti, LaurieJMeotti@aol.com

ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE CONTACT: Liz Turner, lturner@advocatesny.com; (212) 285-1400, Ext. 703)

Guided Meditation Fundraiser:

Beginning on Sunday, August 3rd, and the first Sunday of each month, I will be meditating at F.O.R.. I hope you will come join me. I’ll be offering a little guidance at the beginning, but mostly this will be an opportunity to meditate in silence with like-minded people. There will be no charge. Donations will go to a specific local activist group working for the environment, social justice and peace.

Blessings and peace,

Alan Levin
www.SacredRiverHealing.org

This August 3rd, donations will go to Advocates for Justice, a non-profit group working for the students of East Ramapo to get a fair shake and good education. 

Time/Date: 10 A.M. to Noon – August 3rd – Sunday (Come for all or part.)

Location: F.O.R., the Fellowship of Reconciliation, 521 No. Broadway, Nyack