Power of Ten

Special Edition: Support Advocates For Justice

Advocates for Justice has acted for East Ramapo parents and taxpayers since 2012 in a constitutional claim against the school board.  The lawsuit challenged the board’s use of public funds for private religious schools to the detriment of public school children. The case has involved many depositions, motions and appeals, and discovery of over 200,000 documents.  A4J won most key motions for the plaintiffs, 3 of which were appealed to the Federal Court of Appeals. The plaintiffs lost the last appeal in a split 2-1 decision by the court.  The majority ruled that the student plaintiffs did not have standing to bring the lawsuit against the school board because they did not suffer “direct injury” from the board’s actions.  There was a strong dissent by the third judge on the panel. Constitutional scholars advised us not seek appeal to the US Supreme Court, because considering the current make-up of the Court, it might issue a decision creating a bad precedent.

The taxpayers still have standing to continue suing the school board, but  the decision has been made to resolve the lawsuit.  The litigation was intended as one piece, along with political advocacy, in an overall effort to achieve positive change in the district. There is still more to do, but much has been achieved:  removal of the superintendent, ending illegal payments to private religious schools, appointment of a monitor to oversee actions of the school board, securing office of civil rights resolution agreements, and ensuring district compliance with the federal and state education laws.

A4J is a non-profit, which represents working people pro bono, advocating for equal rights and social justice.  They rely on foundation grants and individual donations.  Although A4J has not charged legal fees, they have incurred significant expenses related to the East Ramapo lawsuit.  A4J needs donor support to help cover these costs. 

If you would like to make a contribution to A4J, you may give online at:
http://www.advocatesforjustice.net/east-ramapo.html

or by check to:

Advocates for Justice
225 Broadway, Ste. 1902
New York NY 10007
Attn:  Liz Turner

Power of Ten Update

Special Edition: Bond Vote December 6

There will be a vote on December 6 to approve spending $60 million for renovations to school buildings and grounds. A YES Vote will benefit the children.

The NY State Education Department has responded to the NAACP request that they oversee the process. They say it is their “intent to provide the oversight and technical assistance to ensure the project is a success.”

While it is reassuring to hear that NYSED intends to do its job, the NAACP letter also expressed concerns about a repeat of past abuses by the school board. 

What Abuses?

In recent years the school board has closed and sold two public schools (Hillcrest and Colton). They did this despite increasing enrollment and over the protests of educators and parents. At the time, one school board member said “buildings do not educate children.” The buildings that they deemed excess and converted to yeshivas were the only two that were not on the state list of buildings in need of repair. 

Pressure to convert public schools to yeshivas has not abated.

There is massive pressure from developers to create segregated neighborhoods that require infrastructure including non-public schools. According to the lawyer for one yeshiva, there is competition with residential builders for land, and “the pressure is intensified” when the East Ramapo school district hasn’t “sold any of its sites as surplus.” 

Why vote YES?

The children need well functioning buildings. Passing these resolutions will result in better school environments for our children.

Yes, the school board could turn around and try close a newly renovated building, and sell it to their friends for pennies on the dollar, but we cannot allow ourselves to descend into hopelessness and despair.

Public school advocates now include: Strong East Ramapo, Padres Unidos of East Ramapo, Rockland Clergy for Social Justice, We The People, The NAACP, Advocates for Justice, East Ramapo Underground, and more. Elected officials at the local, state and national level have become involved. The school board has earned national and even international notoriety for their callous treatment of children.

In short, now is not the time to give up hope!

ONE MORE THING:

Each year, when the school budget comes up, voters where the majority of students go to yeshivas vote NO for the public school budget. Will they vote YES for the renovations? Are they hoping these buildings will one day be converted to yeshivas, like Hillcrest and Colton? How can they vote down money for teachers, and allow it for buildings, while at the same time we are told “buildings do not educate children”?

Despite this apparent hypocrisy, we must offer ALL the voters a chance to support BOTH sound schools buildings AND the educational programming they need to complete their education and be college ready.

The next vote will be in May. Superintendent Wortham must offer a budget that is based on the students needs. Just as ALL the voters are expected to support building renovations, ALL the voters should be expected to support quality programming. That includes small class sizes, collaborative classes for special needs, business classes, vocational classes, advanced placement, as well as support staff such as social workers, guidance counselors, etc.

These are needed for our children. There is no such thing as someone else’s children. They are all ours. They are our future. They are your legacy and mine, together. If there are some who don’t see it, we still can’t walk away from it. Thanks to all of the Power of Ten readers, I know there are many public education advocates working for justice in East Ramapo.

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Teachers ask for State Protection
2. Action Opportunity: Stop Town Tax Ripoff
3. NAACP: Conditional Support for School Bond

1) Teachers ask for State Protection

In a Community View in the Journal News, the president of the Rockland County Teachers Association calls on the state to change rules for funding private-school programs: State must prevent the ‘next’ East Ramapo

This is one of the the most important letters ever published on the subject. It is worth a subscription to the Journal News just to read this one letter!

The letter is on behalf of the Rockland BOCES Staff Association, the Clarkstown Teachers Association, the Nanuet Teachers Association, the Nyack Teachers Association, the North Rockland Teachers Association, the Education Association of South Orangetown, the Pearl River Teachers Association and the Ramapo Teachers Association.

2) Action Opportunity: Stop Town Tax Ripoff

In the last edition of The Power of Ten, I reported that the Town of Ramapo is charging East Ramapo an estimated $1.2 million per year for collecting taxes, a service that other towns provide for free.

The superintendent of Ramapo’s other school district, Ramapo Central, has written a Community View in The Journal News asking readers to tell Cuomo to sign a bill that empowers school districts to collect their own property taxes. This bill has already been passed and is waiting for the governor’s signature.

Action Opportunity: Please go to the following link: www.ramapocentral.net/district/advocacy which has been set up to assist the community in reaching out to the governor.

3) NAACP: Conditional Support for School Bond

Willie Trotman, the president of the Spring Valley NAACP, has written a letter to the Journal News giving conditional support for the upcoming bond vote. His support is conditional because the school board just sold two schools which had been renovated as public schools, and then opposed legislation which would prevent them from doing it again.

No one knows better than Mr. Trotman the terrible impact that dilapidated schools are having on our youth. He is asking the state in this letter to guarantee that they will prevent our public education system from again being the victim of real estate speculators.

The East Ramapo school board is a pariah, a rogue board which has abandoned its mission. They cannot complete the function of “trustees” if they cannot be “trusted”. They haven’t admitted wrongdoing and they haven’t changed their ways. They will have to be watched every second until an alternative governance system is implemented.

The school board could have guaranteed a pass for the bond vote, and extra state aid just by allowing more state oversight. The state could have passed the oversight over the objections of the board.

So the first two “NO” votes for the bond are really coming from the school board and NY State.

The NAACP deserves credit for putting the kids first. They are saying “YES” even if it is conditional. Right now they are down 2-1, but the state could still step up and provide the oversight Mr. Trotman is asking for. That second “YES” from NY could be the deciding factor.

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Vote on Tuesday Nov 8
2. Yeshivas get Tax Dollars – for What?
3. Town of Ramapo Takes from School Taxes – Why?

1) Vote on Tuesday Nov 8

There are many important local elections this year. A complete list is available from The Journal News at http://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/10/21/whos-on-ballot-rockland-candidates/92408902/

Preserve Ramapo has also endorsed several candidates this year. They are: Ellen Jaffee, State Assembly 97th District; Tom Deprisco, State Senate 38th District; Ken Zebrowski, State Assembly 96th District; Howard Gerber, Rockland County Court Judge; Pat Loftus, Rockland County Court Judge; and Bill Weber, Ramapo Town Council.

There will also be a candidates forum hosted by the NAACP and JAMCARR:

Thursday, November 3rd , 2016 @ 6:30PM
Louis Kurtz Center
Main / Madison Avenue
Spring Valley, NY

Correction: In the last issue I misidentified the Assembly District of Ellen Jaffee. She is in the 97th AD. Please do not fail to vote for Ellen Jaffee, if you live in her district. If you do not, find out how you can help her campaign by visiting her webpage at http://www.ellenjaffee.com/

2) Yeshiva Parents to Dr. Wortham: Educate Every Child

NY State law and the regulations of the Commissioner of Education clearly place the responsibility for compulsory education of minors on the desk of the Superintendent of Schools. On October 26th, Naftuli Moster, an advocate for parents of students in East Ramapo yeshivas, spoke at the school board meeting and officially put Dr. Wortham and the board on notice that many, if not most students in yeshivas in East Ramapo are not receiving an education as required by law.

Please go to http://poweroften.us/ and sign the letter to Dr. Wortham asking her to prevent scare education resources from flowing to institutions where education is not provided.

3) Town of Ramapo takes money from East Ramapo schools

As reported in The Journal News, the Town of Ramapo is charging East Ramapo an estimated $1.2 million per year for collecting taxes. By comparison, the Town of Orangetown charges Pearl River only $60,000, and the Town of Clarkstown does not charge a fee at all!

Read the whole story: Rockland school district fights town tax fees

Power of Ten Update

Special Edition: VOTE for Ellen Jaffee on November 8

If you are a resident of NY Assembly District 97, you have the privilege of voting to re-elect Ellen Jaffee. 

Assembly Member Jaffee has stood with the students and families of East Ramapo as we fought for state oversight of our school board. During the many trips we made to Albany, other assembly members often remarked at how persistent and persuasive she was. She is also sponsoring legislation to require that children who are not enrolled in public school are receiving an education.

For these reasons, I strongly urge every reader to vote for Ellen Jaffee on November 8. If you don’t live in her district, you can still help by donating or volunteering on her website: www.ellenjaffee.com

 

 

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Full Day Kindergarten Begins
2. Board’s Actions Cost District Millions
3. Yeshiva pays $9 million for Temple Beth El

1) Full Day Kindergarten Begins

It was only three years ago that the district announced they were doing away with Kindergarten entirely. Now, because of constant pressure from parents and civil rights groups, ALL East Ramapo Kindergarten classes will be full-day!

The Journal News: Full-day K begins Oct. 6

Also, some of our favorite Art and Music teachers are coming back this year! We know  the children will appreciate that!

Special thanks are owed to Assembly Member Ellen Jaffee for her tireless work in securing the funds to make this happen. November 8 she is up for re-election, please make sure you get out to vote!

2) Board’s Actions Cost District Millions

Several actions of the school board have resulted in millions of dollars lost to the children’s education. Not only have these actions harmed the children, they have resulted in expense to taxpayers all over New York State who are now paying for services to East Ramapo.  Strong East Ramapo reports:

“In 2011, the School District entered into an energy performance contract with Johnson Controls, Inc. to install numerous energy efficient controls and devices throughout the School District’s buildings. It seems that no actual contract was signed and approved by both parties. The School District was unable to secure financing for the project and was unaware that work had commenced. Johnson Controls claims to have done close to $1.9 million of work. The School District believed it should not be required to pay Johnson Controls the required amount as funding was not secured prior to Johnson commencing work done. This matter proceeded to mediation. The mediation session took place on Monday, September 12, 2016. There is now a Board approved agreement between the School District and Johnson Controls to pay $1 million over a five-year period starting in fiscal year 2017-18. The School District’s 2017-18 proposed budget will include the first payment of $200,000.”

In 2015, the East Ramapo School Board sued its insurer, New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal (NYSIR), to cover $2.23 million in legal fees the district owed its defense teams, the New York State Supreme Court ruled last year that the district was overcharged by $2 million, saying “a reasonable fee for the legal services provided is $187,500.”

“In April 2016 New York State Insurance Reciprocal (NYSIR) made a decision to drop coverage for East Ramapo Central School District. This decision negatively impacted the School District as it had to seek new insurance coverage in a very short time notice. There was no single insurer that offered to commit in insuring our School District. The insurance costs increased by over $900,000 on annual basis. The School District will continue working to identify efficiencies to accommodate this additional cost for the fiscal year 2017-18 and beyond.”

This negligence is inexcusable: $2 million in overcharged legal fees, $1 million per year in extra insurance costs, $1 million dollars in unauthorized spending for “energy performance” work that no one seemed to know was happening. That’s $4 million alone that could have been spent on children’s needs. Students, families, taxpayers deserve much, much better.

3) Yeshiva pays $9 million for Temple Beth El

The Journal News: Auctioned Reform temple to become Satmar school

Temple Beth El was sold at auction. More than 100 buyers expressed interest, and four made bids over $8 million. The property included a 32,000 square-foot building on a 5.6 acre lot. The price is attributed to ongoing high demand for space by nonpublic schools.

Compare this to Colton Elementary, a 62,000 square-foot building on 15 acres, which the East Ramapo board sold for $6.6 million (minus rental credits), or Hillcrest Elementary, a 62,000 square-foot building on 11 acres, which was sold for $4.8 million. The value of these schools was estimated as over $10 million each. Even that amount now seems low in comparison.

Summary:

• Temple Beth El: 32,000 sq ft. on 5.6 acres: $9 million
• Two East Ramapo Schools: 120,000 sq ft. on 27 acres: $11 million

Both East Ramapo schools were sold to yeshivas by a school board that was found to favor the interests of yeshivas by a state monitor. The sales were closed while the monitor was doing his investigation.  Attorney General Schneiderman was aware of fraud by an appraiser hired by the district, but has not acted regarding the school board or the yeshivas (yet). 

While Dr. Wortham and Commissioner Elia and the teachers and parents and advocates are all working so hard and so diligently to improve the educational experiences of the children, we must assume that the school board is continuing its agenda to hand over more district real estate to their friends at bargain prices. There needs to be some fundamental change in the governance of the district to restore trust. 

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Vote on Sept 13
2. Public Hearing Sept 7
3. Knowledge is Power

1) Vote on Sept 13

With all the attention in the media focused on the Presidential Election, many people may not be aware that September 13 is also an Election Day. This year, we have two races (at least) in which East Ramapo is an important election issue.

Ellen Jaffee has been a leader in the effort to get NY State to intervene in East Ramapo. She represents the 97th NY Assembly District, parts of which are in East Ramapo. She is being challenged in the Sept. 13 Primary Election,  She is very well respected by her colleagues, which has kept East Ramapo high on the agenda in Albany. As we continue to pressure Albany to intervene, her skills and reputation will be indispensable.

Krystal Serrano is running in the September 13 Primary for the 98th Assembly District. Like Ellen Jaffee, she believes that NY State must do more to protect public education in East Ramapo. Her opponent is the former East Ramapo School Board member whose tenure was marked by the closure and sale of public schools, massive escalation of legal bills, and schemes to use public dollars to pay for private tuition.

Please do not fail to go out on Sept. 13 and vote! If you don’t live in one of these districts, you probably know at least one person who does. Please make a personal effort to encourage people to vote for these two supporters of public education.

A Candidate Forum will be held THIS THURSDAY:

NAACP and JAMCCAR Candidate Forum
Thursday, September 8th, 2016 @ 6:30PM
Louis Kurtz Center
9 N. Main St.
Spring Valley, NY

2) Public Hearing Sept 7

In June, NY State passed a law to bring $3 million in extra state aid to East Ramapo.

The district is planning to use the money to provide:

Full-day Kindergarten for ALL
Various Arts Programming in Elementary School
More Collaborative Classes

Full details are available on the district web page

There will be a public hearing THIS WEDNESDAY: 

Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 7:30
105 S. Madison Ave
Spring Valley.

3) Knowledge is Power

You may have noticed that Power of Ten Updates are not always keeping up with all the latest developments.

I recommend that everyone sign up for the Strong East Ramapo list, which provides more frequent updates with more detailed reports. Strong East Ramapo also has a FaceBook group which has even more info.

 

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Legendary Party Sunday (Not Saturday!)
2. Pressure Mounts for Equivalent Education

1) Legendary Party Sunday (Not Saturday!)

I don’t want you to miss this Party! It will be LEGENDARY!!!

That’s why I am publishing this important CORRECTION: The MLK Center Summer Sand and Soul Party will be SUNDAY (Not Saturday as incorrectly reported in the last edition).

Full Details: http://mlkmpc.org/2016/06/28/summer-sand-soul-a-day-party-with-a-purpose-fundraiser/

2) Pressure Mounts for Equivalent Education

The movement to ensure equivalent education in New York is gaining momentum. The YAFFED petition now has over 1,400 signers! Have you signed yet? Please sign and share!

Also, several important articles on this subject have been published recently:

Haaretz: Bill De Blasio Must Not Let ultra-Orthodox Jewish Votes Override His Duty to the Law

City Limits: Ultra-Orthodox Yeshivas Need to Meet Their Educational Obligations

The Forward: My Hasidic Students Need You To Support Enforced Secular Education

The Forward: The Flawed Legal Reasoning That Says We Shouldn’t Force Secular Studies on Hasidic Jews

The Journal News: E. Ramapo schools improve, private schools’ ills linger

The Journal News: Hasidic teen risks shunning for schooling

The Journal News: Some E. Ramapo yeshivas fail to prepare pupils in secular studies

 

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Why I Care (Petition!)
2. Life is Not All Hard Work (Party!)

1) Why I Care

Our human family has been through a lot. Not so long ago we hadn’t figured out how to harness electricity. The smallest thing we knew of was the smallest thing you could see with your naked eye. No one knew how far away the sun or the stars were. Diseases were mysterious; there was no way of knowing anything as tiny as a microbe existed, or that it could kill you.

All of the knowledge and technology that we use and take for granted everyday was obtained through magnificent effort, by men and women who spent their lives increasing the library of human knowledge and achievement. They did this often in the most difficult of circumstances, overcoming war and oppression and ignorance.

This body of work has allowed us to travel, to communicate, and to fend off disease. The legacy belongs equally to all human beings. It is just as wrong to deny a child the light of knowledge as it is to deny a lifesaving medicine derived from that knowledge. One of the greatest contributions of science is the knowledge that we are all one family, linked by our 23 pairs of DNA.

This great storehouse of knowledge is an even more essential inheritance than any notarized will. Every one of us shares in the duty of executor of this greatest inheritance. This is why public education cannot be some line item on anyone’s balance sheet.

This is why ALL schools need to be safe, inviting, hospitable centers of learning and inquiry. This is why the state has a ethical duty, and in NY a constitutional obligation, to ensure that every child receives this inheritance, whether the child is in a public or non-public educational institution or in the home.

Not every child is receiving a quality education. The reason for this embarrassment is lack of political will. There are still too many people who don’t see all children as OUR children, and say “why should I pay for someone else’s child?”

There are even people who oppose education (but who hypocritically use all the technologies that are generated by it).

Malala was shot in the face for going to school. There is a group called Boko Haram in Nigeria whose name actually means “Western education is forbidden”. Here in NY the Grand Rabbi of the Kiryas Joel Satmar recently characterized subjects taught in public school as “disgusting”. He said he is glad that NY State has “turned a blind eye” to children in yeshivas who aren’t learning “general studies” (the subjects most people call English, Math, Science, and History).

There are many organizations advocating for better education. Malala survived the attempt on her life and has gone on to help educate many girls in her home country and around the world, including victims of Boko Haram. YAFFED is an organization in NY holding officials accountable for their duties under NY law.

Power of Ten has consistently advocated for the whole community to step up to our joint responsibility to the children enrolled in public education. This includes not only exposing the abuses of the East Ramapo School Board, but also supporting supplemental programs offered by organizations such as the Martin Luther King Center in Spring Valley.

Power of Ten has also asked readers to support Malala in her quest to provide education to every girl, and now to support YAFFED in its work to bring quality education to NY yeshivas. This is why I am making this personal appeal to you right now, to sign the YAFFED petition.

Please sign today: http://yaffed.nationbuilder.com/petition

2) Life is Not All Hard Work

It’s a fact. You have to take some time out to relax. Here is a chance to enjoy some great music, food, and company, and at the same time support supplemental education at the MLK Center!

It’s happening THIS SUNDAY, so get your tickets NOW: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-sand-soul-a-day-party-with-a-purpose-tickets-26080370089

 

The Power of Ten

Extra Edition!

In the last issue, I brought to your attention two very important items. In the past three days, the response has been amazing:

1) The petition for equivalent education for yeshiva students already has over 800 signers!!!

If you have not yet signed, please do so now at http://yaffed.nationbuilder.com/sign_the_petition

2) The Kurz Family Foundation has generously created a matching sponsor donation for the Martin Luther King Center Summer Sand and Soul Party in Piermont. That means 100% of your ticket price goes to provide services for children at the Center!!! This is not some rubber chicken event, this is a real blast featuring legendary DJ Ruben (the Bull) Toro!!!

Get your tickets now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-sand-soul-a-day-party-with-a-purpose-tickets-26080370089

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Oversight is Law
2. Petition: All Children Deserve an Education
3. Summer, Sand & Soul – A Day Party With a Purpose

1) Oversight is Law

Governor Cuomo has signed the East Ramapo oversight bill, affirming that the district indeed merits special attention to ensure all students receive the education they deserve.

The law authorizes the State Commissioner of Education to oversee the upcoming district budget to meet students’ needs. In addition, the Commissioner can either approve or deny the sales of public assets, capital contracts over $100,000 and reductions in restored programs.

The district will also be eligible for three million dollars in aid for the 2016-17 school year. Here’s what will happen, according to the law:

— “In order to receive such funds, the school district in consultation with the monitor or monitors shall develop a long term strategic academic and fiscal improvement plan within 6 months from the enactment of this act.” This step is already underway.

— “Such plan shall be submitted to the commissioner for approval.”

— “The board of education of the East Ramapo central school district must conduct a public hearing on the expenditure plan and shall consider the input of the community before adopting such plan.”

— “The commissioner shall disburse the funds after receiving satisfactory evidence from the East Ramapo central school district that the district has complied with the approved comprehensive expenditure plan and spent such funds pursuant to the approved expenditure plan.”

More to come, but the acknowledgement from the Legislature and the Governor that East Ramapo needs state intervention to oversee its budget is an important part of rebuilding trust in our public institutions. While we will need to advocate for continued oversight and additional funds in the years to come (so these e-mail updates are far from over!), fixing the leaky pipe — even for one year, as a start — has been a critical priority in this journey to justice. Thank you to the lawmakers and advocates who made this milestone possible.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through our advocacy, it’s that democracy is slow and hard. I cannot reiterate enough that we are not satisfied and we are not done. But I hope you’ll enjoy your fireworks a little bit more this time around. 

– Andrew Mandel

(editor’s note: this article was written by Mr. Mandel right before the 4th of July; the lateness is my fault, not his. If you are looking for a great way to celebrate, see the party invite below!)

2) Petition: All Children Deserve an Education

In less than two months, tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox and Hasidic boys will be returning to their Yeshivas where they will continue to be denied a basic education in English, math, sciences, and social studies

unless…

the NYC and NYS Departments of Education act quickly and begin enforcing the laws already in place that require non-public schools to provide an education that is “substantially equivalent” to that of public schools.

Will you speak out on behalf of those helpless children — who are about to be harmed for life — and demand that the city and state take quick action?

You can help make a difference by signing this petition and it only takes two minutes!

Sign the Petition Now

3) Summer, Sand & Soul – A Day Party With a Purpose

Join us for a fun summer day party benefiting critical Children’s Programs at the Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center, serving children attending schools in the troubled school district of East Ramapo, NY. Our venue, Pier 701 Restaurant & Bar in Piermont, NY, has the largest waterfront deck in the region and its own private beach.

WHEN: Sunday, July 31, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
WHERE: Pier 701 Restaurant & Bar – 701 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, NY 10968

We are excited to feature legendary DJ Ruben (“the Bull”) Toro. Ruben was a fixture at the famous Club Shelter, and host of #1 rated Kiss Club Classics (Saturday night 98.7FM) and WBLS-FM. Expect a hot summer vibe, with classic soul, funk, house, old & new school favorites, and more.

Tickets will include a buffet-style meal with summer favorites. Feature drink specials will help make this soulful Sunday overlooking the water an event you won’t want to miss! Proceeds from this event will go directly to support the Center’s Children’s Programs.

Click Here to Purchase Your Tickets Today

Power of Ten Special Edition

Vote Tuesday

Message from our candidates:

1. Please mark your calendars and bring your friends to Vote on Tuesday May 17th!

2. We will be holding phone banks on Monday eve from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pmat El Mana restaurant on Main St Spring Valley (across from the Louis Kurtz Center) to remind voters of this important vote. Please let us know if you can help and bring your cell phone! We are also phone banking on Tuesday and can either send you a list or give it to you Monday eve.

3. Polls are open all day Tuesday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm at various locations , if you are available for any amount of time to hand out Palm cards outside of one of the sites please let us know where and when by sending an email to: qnskim39@aol.com

4. Lastly if you are aware of anyone who would like to vote but can not get there please call Kim at 914-282-1387 or Jean at 845-596-5713 and we will either drive them to the polls ourselves or arrange transportation.

Thank you and together we can do this and bring long awaited change and hope to our children and community!

Have a great day and take care,

Kim Foskew, Jean Fields, Natashia Morales, and Sabrina Charles-Pierre

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. #4Women4ALL Event Today (Saturday)!
2. School Board Campaign Opportunity Tuesday April 19
3. Work, Eat, Play April 23
4. Celebration of the Life of Dr. Susan G. Gordon April 24

1) #4Women4ALL Event Today (Saturday)!

What: #4Women4ALL Door to Door Canvassing Day
When: Saturday April 16 at 1:30 PM
Where: Gene Levy Plaza, 200 N. Main St. Spring Valley NY (Parking lot near the police station)

Join us as we visit our neighbors to inform them about the May 17 school board and budget vote.

Sign up online: https://www.facebook.com/events/1729595517318054/

Campaign web page: https://eastramapotogether.wordpress.com/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/2016EastRamapoCandidates/

2) School Board Campaign Opportunity Tuesday April 19

Can you spare a little time on Tuesday? Please sign up online now! 

3) Work, Eat, Play April 23

By: Families for Education, Keep Rockland Beautiful, and the MArtin Luther King Multi-purpose Center

When: April 23 at from 10 AM to 5 PM
Where: Martin Luther King Multi-purpose Center, 110 Bethune Blvd, Spring Valley, NY

Two events in one day:

1. A Community Clean-up with Keep Rockland Beautiful from 10 am-1:30 pm
2. A Community BBQ from 1:30-5 pm.

Performances by:
The World Famous East Ramapo Marching Band
Dance Attitude
The MLK Step Team

Suggested donation/plate fee is $5.00 

4) Celebration of the Life of Dr. Susan G. Gordon April 24

Dr. Susan Gordon was one of the very special people who made East Ramapo a great school district. She served as president of the school board when the district was considered the best of the best. Sadly she passed away earlier this year.

There will be a celebration of her life on Sunday April 24 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Cultural Arts Theater at Rockland Community College.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the CEJJES Institute in honor of Dr. Susan Gordon.

A personal note: I had the pleasure of attending when Dr. Susan G. Gordon and her husband Dr. Edmund W. Gordon were honored as “Living Landmarks” by the Rockland County Historical Society.  They were quite emphatic that the best way to honor their lifelong work is for each of us to become informed, involved and active. I encourage you to take that sentiment to heart. – Steven White, editor

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Thursday Community Forums Continue
2. #4Women4ALL Saturday!
3. Tender Steps April 17
4. Work, Eat, Play April 23
5. Fire Safety Instruction Reveals Tears in Social Fabric

1) Thursday Community Forums Continue

Join us once again as we continue our community conversation about East Ramapo issues. There will be presentations about the statewide push for all day Kindergarten. Meet the Candidates for School Board. Learn how you can be involved. See you there!

April 14 at 7:00 PM
Martin Luther King Multi-purpose Center
110 Bethune Blvd, Spring Valley, NY

2) #4Women4ALL Saturday!

What: #4Women4ALL Door to Door Canvassing Day
When: Saturday April 16 at 1:30 PM
Where: Gene Levy Plaza, 200 N. Main St. Spring Valley NY (Parking lot near the police station)

Join us as we visit our neighbors to inform them about the May 17 school board and budget vote.

Sign up online: https://www.facebook.com/events/1729595517318054/

Campaign web page: https://eastramapotogether.wordpress.com/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/2016EastRamapoCandidates/

3) Tender Steps April 17

Tender Steps of New York, Inc. “Building The Bridge” 3rd Annual Fundraiser

Sunday, April 17th, 2016 : 1PM-5PM at The Nyack Seaport, 21 Burd St, Nyack, NY 10960

Keynote speaker: Dr. Betty A. Rosa- Chancellor of the NYS Board of Regents
Guest Speaker: Mr. Kevin Lopez- Executive Director for LPZ Media ”The Hudson Tribes”
Comedy by Marc A. Gerber (Comic Strip Live comedian)
Honorees: Luis Nivelo, Jaqueline Polanco-Fernandez, and Ana Vila

for more info contact: (917) 447-7187 tenderstepsofny@gmail.com

4) Work, Eat, Play April 23

By: Families for Education & MLK Muti-purpose Center

When: April 23 at from 10 AM to 5 PM
Where: Martin Luther King Multi-purpose Center, 110 Bethune Blvd, Spring Valley, NY

As a community we are coming together and hosting (2) events in one day. A Community Clean-up from 10 am-1:30 pm & then community BBQ from 1:30-5 pm. The purpose of the event is to promote unity within the community and allow the community to meet the candidates who are running for East Ramapo School Board seats in the May 17th election. Come out and support your community. We will have performances by the East Ramapo Marching Band, Dance Attitude, and MLK Step Team. Many donations will be raffled off as well as a 50/50. Suggested donation/plate fee from public $5.00

5) Fire Safety Instruction Reveals Tears in Social Fabric

Whenever children are not doing well, we know the fault lies with us, the adults who shape their world. People are often quick to blame educators, but the truth is we are all responsible. Sometimes you have to get up close to see where the problem lies. This is the case with a fire and safety instructor who ended up learning as much from the children as they did from her. These children are living in a labor camp, in housing over-crowded and under-maintained. While their parents are off cleaning and building houses for those who are better off, the children are impacted by the consequences of exploitation and oppression. We are all used to seeing the new glittering castles and manicured shrubberies of suburbia; the groceries bagged and the laundry done by people whose skin is a shade darker than those who live in the rows of shiny new houses. We rarely get a glimpse into the lives of those from the other side of the tracks, and least of all into the hearts and minds of the children who suffer from the insecurities of poverty in a land of plenty. Thanks to a letter writer whose eyes were open, we get to see a little of what lies hidden in their young hearts.

JN Letter to the editor: Fire safety training reveals concerns of East Ramapo children

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue

1. School Board Race Underway
2. Tender Steps April 17
3. Strong-ER gets STRONGER!
4. Nice Work, Nanuet 
5. Correction

1) School Board Race Underway

The Journal News: Slate of four candidates campaign for East Ramapo BOE

News 12: School board seats up for grabs in East Ramapo

Campaign website: https://eastramapotogether.wordpress.com/

#4Women4ALL

2) Tender Steps April 17

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. #4Women4ALL Saturday!
2. Martin Luther King Center Annual Awards Benefit Dinner Dance Sunday
3. Flanagan Increasingly Isolated

1) 4Women4ALL Saturday!

Who is running for school board this year? When is the election? How can I help? Answers to these questions and more will be available this Saturday at 1:30 PM in Spring Valley.

The candidates for East Ramapo school board invite you to attend a campaign rally and press conference.

What: #4Women4ALL School Board Campaign Rally
When: Saturday April 2 at 1:30 PM
Where: In front of the Spring Valley Police Station, 200 N. Main St. Spring Valley NY

Agenda:
1:30 Candidates will present their platform
1:45 Questions from the press and the public
2:00 Training for door to door canvassing
2:15 – 4:00 Door to door activity in Spring Valley
4:00 Meet for Pizza

Campaign web page: https://eastramapotogether.wordpress.com/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/2016EastRamapoCandidates/

#4Women4ALL are: Jean Fields, Kim Foskew, Natashia Morales, and Sabrina Charles-Pierre. They advocate for a quality education for ALL children in East Ramapo. They have a vision and goals for high academic achievement for all students that will inspire parents and other stakeholders to have confidence in the local public schools. They have a mix of skills and backgrounds that will help the school board represent the diversity of the East Ramapo community.

Jean Fields is the former principal of Ramapo High School. Kim Foskew is a former president of the East Ramapo PTA Council. Natashia Morales is a public school parent and activist. Sabrina Charles Pierre is a current school board member. Together, they are #4Women4ALL!

2) Martin Luther King Center Annual Awards Benefit Dinner Dance Sunday

The Board of Directors of the Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center Inc. is pleased to invite you to its 25th Annual Awards Benefit Dinner Dance!  Michelle Brown, Weekend Anchor and Emmy nominated reporter for News 12 Westchester will be our emcee for the evening!

Sunday, April 3
4:00 PM Reception, 5:00 PM Dinner/Dance
The Clubhouse at Patriot Hills, 19 Clubhouse Lane, Stony Point NY

Remembering and Honoring Dr. Susan Gordon

Honorees: Coach Andrew Delva; Mark Geller, MD; Hon. George Hoehmann; Kathy and Bill Lathrop; Rev. Weldon McWilliams Jr.; Ouida Foster Toutebon

For full details, visit: http://mlkmpc.org/events/2014-annual-awards-benefit-dinner-dance/

3) Flanagan Increasingly Isolated

Six school boards from across Long Island have joined the Rockland County School Board Association in passing resolutions in favor of East Ramapo oversight. Two County Executives have Joined with Rockland County Executive Ed Day in calling on Senator Flanagan to stop blocking the bill for a monitor with veto power. Senator Flanagan needs to hear from YOU too. Please sign our petition asking him to visit East Ramapo and see first hand that NY State cannot continue to ignore the crisis in governance of our schools.

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Thursday Community Forums Continue
2. The 2016 School Board Campaign has Begun
3. Support for Monitor with Veto Power Continues
4. A Great Coach Sets No Ceilings

1) Thursday Community Forums Continue

Join us once again as we continue our community conversation about East Ramapo issues. Learn how you can be involved. Meet the Candidates for School Board. See you there!

March 10 at 7:00 PM
Martin Luther King Multi-purpose Center
110 Bethune Blvd, Spring Valley, NY

2) The 2016 School Board Campaign has Begun

2016 is a year when women are asserting their equal right to be decision makers. Four school board members will be selected this year, and four women have stepped up to offer their service to the community as school board members!

Learn about the candidates and the campaign here: East Ramapo Coming Together 

Share the journey with them on the campaign Facebook page: 2016 Candidates for East Ramapo School Board.

#4Women4All

3) Support for Monitor with Veto Power Continues

A very well reasoned editorial and a joint letter from the NAACP and local rabbi emphasize the need for Albany to act:

Editorial: East Ramapo needs long-term support

Letter: Monitor can restore confidence in East Ramapo

4) A Great Coach Sets No Ceilings

The following essay is by Flose Boursiquot, an East Ramapo Alum:

If you have walked the halls of Spring Valley High School in the last 10 years, you’ve heard of Coach Andrew Delva Senior.

A Haitian-born ambitious man with a strong heart, Coach Delva has been a pillar in Rockland County for a over a decade. The Spring Valley High School Football Program is at the center of his heart, and he has recently taken to coaching track and field with the same spirit. Whether on the field or on the track, students have a deep appreciation for him.

Read the Whole Essay Here: A Great Coach Sets No Ceilings

 

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. This Sunday: Honor Living Legend David Lipman
2. Thursday Community Forum Continues
3. 2016 Budget Talks Begin
4. March 8 CUPON Rally

1) This Sunday: Honor Living Legend David Lipman

The Trustees of the Historical Society of Rockland County Cordially Invite You to the Annual Dinner 2016

When: Sunday, March 6, 2016, 5-9 pm
Where: The View on the Hudson, 101 Shad Row, Piermont

Living Landmark Award: David Lipman, (SVHS, Class of ’39), and decorated U.S. Army veteran (Bronze Star)

Prepaid reservations are strongly recommended!

2) Thursday Community Forum Continues

Join us once again as we continue our community conversation about East Ramapo issues. Learn how you can be involved. See you there!

March 10 at 7:00 PM
Martin Luther King Multi-purpose Center
110 Bethune Blvd, Spring Valley, NY

3)  2016 Budget Talks Begin

This year the superintendent is asking the community to be involved in a process of crafting a budget that serves the students needs. Please come out and participate in one or more of the scheduled budget forums. 

4) March 8 CUPON Rally

CUPON Rockland invites you to their Rally on Tuesday:

Let’s show up at Ramapo Town Hall to demonstrate to the Town Planning Board that we object to overdevelopment and discriminatory housing. Please bring neighbors!

Date: March 8th, 2016
Time: 7:15 pm
Place: Town Hall parking lot, 237 Route 59, Suffern NY

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. AAUW Brunch This Saturday Feb 27
2. CUPON Rally Tuesday, March 8
3. HE NAMED ME MALALA Global Television Premiere
4. “The Roof is On Fire”

1) AAUW Brunch This Saturday Feb 27

The Rockland County Branch of the American Association of University Women, Inc. 17th Annual Diversity Brunch will feature a panel discussion:

East Ramapo: District in Crisis

The East Ramapo School District has failed its public school students and families. The New York State Dept. of Education is investigating the functioning of the School District to develop options for improvement in the schools for all students.

Speaker Panel: Weldon McWilliams IV, Willie Trotman, Suzanne Young-Mercer, Melissa Denizard, Steven White

Saturday, February 27, 2016
10:30 AM to 1:00 PM

St. Charles A.M.E. Zion Church
432 Valentine Ave.
Sparkill, NY

$25.00 Advance Donations/$30.00 Door Sales
Reserve Now – Limited Seating

Contact: Ann Mulligan @ 845-893-2821

2) CUPON Rally Tuesday, March 8

Date: March 8th, 2016
Time: 7:15 pm
Place: Town Hall parking lot, 237 Route 59, Suffern NY

CUPON was formed to hold planning and zoning boards accountable. They are calling all citizens to join in a demonstration to show dissatisfaction with the Town’s approval processes. Following the demonstration they will attend the Planning Board meeting to oppose a re-vote on approval of the Bluefield Extension. More info is available at https://cuponrockland.wordpress.com/

3) HE NAMED ME MALALA Global Television Premiere

Big news! On Monday, February 29 at 8:00 pm, HE NAMED ME MALALA, the inspirational documentary about Malala Yousafzai’s life and her fight for girls’ education, will premiere commercial-free on National Geographic Channel.

Bring the inspirational message of education activist Malala Yousafzai’s story and fight for girls’ education to your home. On February 29, 2016, tune into National Geographic Channel for the global broadcast premiere of HE NAMED ME MALALA, an inspirational documentary film from Academy Award-winning director Davis Guggenheim.

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/he-named-me-malala/

Share your passion for girls’ education and invite friends and family over to watch the film. Sign up to host a watch party in your home or community.

4) “The Roof is On Fire”

It is unbearable.

As I walk the second floor hallways of Ramapo High School every day, I hold my breath and walk quickly to get to my destination. As I sit in classrooms, I avert my eyes from the numerous brown/black spots of mold. These spots are not only present in the upstairs halls and classrooms, but also in the downstairs ones as well. As I converse with friends, I hear of students who have become sick because of these conditions.

It is intolerable.

It is extremely difficult to learn in such conditions. A school is to provide safe working conditions for faculty and learning conditions for students every single day; however, that is not the case at Ramapo High School under these conditions. There are immigrant students who are trying to learn English but are unable to focus on breaking a language barrier because of the horrid odor and appearance of the school. There are students who lack motivation to even come to school every day, and those students are less motivated to attend school because of these conditions. As an AP student and Black Achievement Award recipient, I even find it difficult to learn in these predicaments.

It is insufferable.

We were told that Senator Carlucci secured 1 million dollars to fix the leaky roof; however, the ceilings need to be redone as well. We must not “hooray!” this event rather nod our heads in acceptance. Why would we greatly applaud a grant of 1 million dollars when just last year our district rejected a 40 million dollar bond for repairs? In the grand scheme of things, the work in our district to ensure the safety of every single student is far from being done and we must work together, as a unified district, to get not only the roof at Ramapo High School fixed but all repairs done in the district. We must advocate for safe conditions for our students every day, even if “the roof is on fire.”

 – Ellen Sue Cola

(The writer is a Senior at Ramapo HS)

The Power of Ten

Special Edition: East Ramapo Alum to Receive Living Landmark Award

David Lipman, Spring Valley HS class of 1939, will be honored by the Rockland County Historical Society as a “Living Landmark”. The Society will present the award at their annual dinner on Sunday, March 6, 2016, from 5-9 pm at The View on the Hudson, 101 Shad Row, Piermont NY.

Lipman served as a Corporal in WWII, earning a Bronze Star while doing dangerous missions and being tortured by the Nazis. He bears witness to Antisemitism he experienced personally in the US and the horror of Nazi Germany. He also bears witness to the incredible positive power of quality public education in his own life and in his community.

His story was told by Mark Judelson in “Our Town” newspaper: Decorated WWII Jewish Veteran Gives East Ramapo School Board Lesson in History and in Decency

On September 9, 2015 he attended a meeting of the East Ramapo school board, and delivered a powerful reproach to the board members. Here is a transcript of his speech:

My name is David Lipman, Spring Valley High School, Class of 1939, from the original location on South Main St. Like many of my classmates, I went on to college; I became a professional engineer. Others became doctors, lawyers, teachers, police officers, artists, musicians. One became an actor, with an engineering degree to fall back on. Why? Because we were well EDUCATED. We were given solid foundations in all subjects.

During WWII, we set aside our studies and our lives to go and fight for the freedom of other people. I came home with a Bronze Star and permanently damaged shoulders from the tender care of the Gestapo. One of my brothers, Walter, sacrificed himself in the Pacific Theater to save his air crew. There’s a local Jewish War Veteran’s post named after him, you can look him up. As part of my service I was present at Concentration Camp Dora. There, I saw horrible, unimaginable things; things that do not belong in this room with children.

Then I came home, finished college, raised my family and sent my children to SVHS. My son, Walter is Class of 1972, and my daughter Ruth, 1976. Again, the Lipman family was well served by their excellent public school education. Both my children are professionals, and have a love of learning and reading, with inquisitive minds. Many of their classmates are likewise.

Now, I see what has become of this once fine school system, and I am appalled. I see that the perpetrators of this are largely my own people; people who were the subject of those unspeakable horrors at Dora and places like Dora. Is this how you repay the community to which you came? Is this why the people of this community fought and died- so that 70 years later, you could grind under your heel their grandchildren, as well as the next group of downtrodden immigrants?

I seem to recall two principles from my religious education; one, that we are enjoined to make THE world a better place, not just OUR world; and two, that we were strangers once, enslaved in Egypt. The Torah tells us that we have an OBLIGATION to the stranger- the Gentile- at least three times: Exodus 22:21, Leviticus 19:34 and Deuteronomy 10:19. And yet, this is not what I see. Instead of honey, we have poured bitter herbs on the books of these children, if they have books at all! This defames the memory of both the people of this community who died fighting against the enslavement and horrors of the Holocaust, and those who were its victims. You who are its survivors have a great obligation which you are failing to uphold.

It will take far more than 11 days of repentance to expiate this sin.

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Forum Thursday
2. Cupon Meeting Wednesday
3. Yeshiva Boys Deserve Better
4. Alan Singer for Board of Regents

1)  Forum Thursday

Its time to start thinking about the May school board and budget vote! Last year’s candidates have maintained a presence on social media to give this year’s candidates a head start. The purpose of the forum is to discuss the issues concerning the quality education in our district, and to give those who would like to run for school board in 2016 an opportunity to present themselves to the community. 

What: 2016 School Board Candidates Forum Follow-up
Where: Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center, 110 Bethune Blvd, Spring Valley, NY 10977
When: Thursday February 11 at 7:00 PM

2) Cupon Meeting Feb 17

Reverend Weldon McWilliams IV, PHD, guest speaker.

Where: Hillcrest Firehouse, 300 North Main St, Hillcrest, NY
When: Wednesday February 17th at 7:00 PM

Note: Parking is available in the rear of the firehouse and across the street. Please do not park on the entry or exit ramps, or in front of the firehouse.

To learn more about Cupon: https://cuponrockland.wordpress.com/

3) Yeshiva Boys Deserve Better

In “Thousands of ill-educated yeshiva boys“, an Op-Ed in the NY Daily News, Naftuli Moster urges public outcry over the Education Department turning a blind eye to the lack of education in boys yeshivas.

Mr. Moster is also featured in a report by BRIC TV: Yeshiva Education in Brooklyn and One Student’s Departure, which includes an excellent analysis by David C. Bloomfield, an education policy expert. I highly recommend watching this news show in its entirety.

4) Alan Singer for Board of Regents

Alan Singer, a professor of teacher education at Hofstra University, has been a strong voice in advocating for state intervention in East Ramapo. He has been interviewed for a position on the NY State Board of Regents. To support his nomination, contact Steven McCutcheon, the State Assembly Program and Counsel Staff at mccutcheons@assembly.state.ny.us.

 

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. 2016 Candidates Forum Follow-up Feb 11
2. StrongER Needs You!
3. Children’s Legislative Forum Feb 5

1) 2016 Candidates Forum Follow-up Feb 11

Its time to start thinking about the May school board and budget vote! Last year’s candidates have maintained a presence on social media to give this year’s candidates a head start. The purpose of the forum is to discuss the issues concerning the quality education in our district, and to give those who would like to run for school board in 2016 an opportunity to present themselves to the community. 

What: 2016 School Board Candidates Forum Follow-up
Where: Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center, 110 Bethune Blvd, Spring Valley, NY 10977
When: Thursday February 11 at 7:00 PM

2) StrongER Needs You!

We need to reach all of the New York State Senators, and you can help:

Think of the people (friends, relatives, contacts) who live in New York State.  Send a message to them, pointing them to www.strongeastramapo.org/action, where they can very easily support us by just clicking on the link for their Senator. 

Here is a sample note that you can send to your friends:

Dear Friends,

As you may know, there’s a big injustice happening in the East Ramapo School District. The board has slashed services to the public schools and diverted funding to the exclusive private schools where their own children attend. Two different studies and four different experts have come to the same conclusion: the state needs to appoint a monitor who can reverse the decisions of this board when they are not in the best interests of the public school students. We need to pass a statewide bill in the Legislature to make this local change possible.

I am volunteering to help address this issue, and  I ask you to take just one moment to visit www.strongeastramapo.org/action, and send a message to your State Senator, indicating that you stand in solidarity with me and the children attending public school.

Thanks so much.

3) Children’s Legislative Forum Friday

Child Care Resources of Rockland, Inc., in conjunction with the Rockland Children’s Advocacy Network and its members, host a Children’s Legislative Forum every year to discuss how families, children, youth and the early care and education community are faring in Rockland County.

The Behavioral Health Challenges for Children Birth to Five Years in Rockland County
Friday, February 5, 2016
8:00 am-10:00 am | Breakfast: 7:30 am – Register now

Rockland Community College
Technology Center ● Ellipse Room
145 College Road ● Suffern, NY 10901

Please RSVP: 845.425.0009 x0 | info@rocklandchildcare.org

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. 2016 Candidates Forum January 28 – This Thursday
2. StrongER Needs You!
3. Keep Rockland Beautiful’s Annual Meeting – Wednesday
4. Children’s Legislative Forum Feb 5

1) 2016 Candidates Forum January 28

Its time to start thinking about the May school board and budget vote! Last year’s candidates have maintained a presence on social media to give this year’s candidates a head start. You can help by encouraging others to think about becoming candidates for school board. Or maybe you might be interested yourself?

What: 2016 School Board Candidates Forum
Where: Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center, 110 Bethune Blvd, Spring Valley, NY 10977
When: Thursday January 28 at 7:00 PM

Those who wish to run this year should fill in this google form.

The purpose of the forum is to discuss the issues concerning the quality education in our district, and to give those who would like to run for school board in 2016 an opportunity to present themselves to the community.

2) StrongER Needs You!

We need to reach all of the New York State Senators, and you can help:

Think of the people (friends, relatives, contacts) who live in New York State.  Send a message to them, pointing them to www.strongeastramapo.org/action, where they can very easily support us by just clicking on the link for their Senator. 

Here is a sample note that you can send to your friends:

Dear Friends,

As you may know, there’s a big injustice happening in the East Ramapo School District. The board has slashed services to the public schools and diverted funding to the exclusive private schools where their own children attend. Two different studies and four different experts have come to the same conclusion: the state needs to appoint a monitor who can reverse the decisions of this board when they are not in the best interests of the public school students. We need to pass a statewide bill in the Legislature to make this local change possible.

I am volunteering to help address this issue, and  I ask you to take just one moment to visit www.strongeastramapo.org/action, and send a message to your State Senator, indicating that you stand in solidarity with me and the children attending public school.

Thanks so much.

3) Keep Rockland Beautiful’s Annual Meeting

Wed, January 27th @ 7:00 PM
Ramapo Cultural &
Performing Arts Center
64 N. Main Street, Spring Valley

~ A festive reception & lively conversation about KRB’s plans for 2016

~ Election of the 2016 Board of Directors

~ Featured Speaker: Richard Fuller

Rich is a Clarkstown resident and author of The Brown Agenda. He will be speaking about how he has been involved in cleaning up some of the most toxic sites around the world, many directly affecting child mortality rates. It’s so inspiring to see what can be accomplished by an individual who is able to think creatively and build coalitions to get things done!!!

KRB is excited to be hosting this event in a wonderful venue in the heart of Ramapo. We are looking forward to building on our relationships with nearby civic organizations, churches/synagogues, schools, government officials, etc. We hope to support the area with growing civic engagement and environmental awareness. So if you know anyone who lives in Ramapo or has an interest in the region, please be sure to invite them along!!

RSVP: info@keeprocklandbeautiful or call (845) 708-9164

4. Children’s Legislative Forum

Child Care Resources of Rockland, Inc., in conjunction with the Rockland Children’s Advocacy Network and its members, host a Children’s Legislative Forum every year to discuss how families, children, youth and the early care and education community are faring in Rockland County.

The Behavioral Health Challenges for Children Birth to Five Years in Rockland County
Friday, February 5, 2016
8:00 am-10:00 am | Breakfast: 7:30 am – Register now

Rockland Community College
Technology Center ● Ellipse Room
145 College Road ● Suffern, NY 10901

Please RSVP: 845.425.0009 x0 | info@rocklandchildcare.org

Power of Ten

Special Edition: Advocates for Justice

It seems like almost every time you pick up a newspaper there is some new injustice being done to the students of East Ramapo. You may ask yourself why isn’t someone doing something? Well, Advocates for Justice, a public interest, not-for-profit law firm has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit. The lawsuit seeks to hold those accountable to justice, and for the court to order an end to the school board’s abusive and unconstitutional practices.

Advocates for Justice represents parents and students for free, but has undertaken a fund-raising campaign to raise $25,000 for ongoing court expenses.

Thanks to many small donations from community members, to date they have raised $23,452 or 94% of the goal!!!

They have extended the campaign – one last time – to January 15.

With 5 days left, your tax deductible donation is urgently needed.

Please donate today!

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Beloved Educator Passes 
2. Second Monitor Reiterates: No More Aid Without Veto Power
3. The Effect of Failed Budgets on Education
4. Join Us in Albany

1) Beloved Educator Passes

Patricia Simmons, beloved principal of Fleetwood Elementary, passed away on December 27. She was a true friend and cared deeply for the children she served. She was never afraid to speak truth to power.

The Journal News: East Ramapo elementary school principal dies

The Journal News: Simmons lifted her school, her staff, her children

NAACP statement on her passing: Pat Simmons, A Quiet Smile

2) Second Monitor Reiterates: No More Aid Without Veto Power

Dennis Walcott was interviewed by the Journal News about his report to the NY State Board of Regents. He explains his support for a monitor with veto power. He reiterates the findings of Hank Greenberg, who found that the problems are not the fault of any one person or group of people, but is an inherent flaw in the system of delegating control to a local agency.

3) The Effect of Failed Budgets on Education

• East Ramapo voters have voted down more school budgets than any other voters in New York State. Why?
• The time for a community to show it’s support for public education is at the budget vote.
• The defunding of public education for children of color by their own neighbors is a civil rights nightmare unfolding before our eyes.

 4) Join Us in Albany

Last year we rallied and lobbied in Albany for a bill which would have provided a monitor with veto power for East Ramapo. Our efforts were successful in getting the bill passed by the Assembly, but it was blocked from even being considered by the leader of the Senate.

Albany has a two year cycle for bills, which means the bill could still become law in 2016. We will again do everything in our power to make this happen. Not because it is the answer to all of the problems, but because it is the best first step we have at our disposal at this point in time. We are being told that it is possible that the bill will pass, and that the one thing most needed for it to pass is public pressure. From you!

There will be buses, but you must register in advance. You can register for the bus or get information on carpooling or going on your own at: http://www.strongeastramapo.org/jan-13/