4-8-12

Dr. Klein tried to pull a fast one by producing a “Community Forum” with a pre-selected list of unacceptable cuts for the community to choose from. Students rallied outside prior to the forum, and brought the rally inside to show the board their displeasure at being offered such a crass manipulation.

At the next board meeting, the students came and showed what real community feedback looks like. Dozens of students spoke eloquently about the benefits and opportunities that public education provides. Video is not yet available.

Hello Concerned Citizens of East Ramapo.

The public community came much closer last year to winning back the school board. This year, we believe we have the strategy and plans to win, with your help.

We need all of you to help communicate with the voting public so they will be aware of how the school boards fiscal mismanagement is destroying our kids future and our home values.

This effort is dedicated to providing the information that every voter need to know, in a media they are familiar with (postal mail, telephone, social media), so they can make conscious decisions regarding who will represent their interest on the school board.

We have scheduled a meet the candidates and canvassing kickoff meeting on the following date and time:

Date: Wednesday April 11, 2012

Location: Rockland Community College, 145 College Road, Suffern, NY (Faculty Dining Room in the Cultural Arts Bldg.)

Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Free and open to the public

Ramapo- Parents, educators and students who are interested in the future of educational assessment are invited to participate and share their thoughts during a series of public forums

What: Gordon Commission Forums at Rockland Community College

Where: Technology Center, Ellipse (Rm. 8180)

Parents – Thursday, April 26, 7:00-9:00 pm

What do parents want and need from assessment in education?

HS and College Students – Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 7:00-8:30 pm

What do you seek from educational assessment and testing? What troubles you about contemporary testing practices?

For more information about the work of the Gordon Commission visit www.gordoncommission.org

For additional information about the forums, please call the RCC Office of the President: 845-574-4214 or email: contact@gordoncommission.org

Thursday, April 12 on WRCR 1300-AM from 10 to 11 AM

The East Ramapo Underground will cover the issues and discuss the challenges facing the East Ramapo School District.

The show will also stream live over the internet from www.wrcr.com

From your hosts,
Peggy Hatton & Antonio Luciano

Our community has room for people who disagree on important issues. The board and Dr. Klein are trying to craft budget proposals around “wedge” issues, hoping that we will argue among ourselves over how to split up the pie. The sad part is that anyone would think we can be divided so easily. Only the most naive person would respond to these obvious, amateurish manipulations. We are not about to be divided over whether to fund music, or sports or any other programs. The reason we find ourselves in the place we are at is that we are the victims of a “divide and conquer” strategy. We cannot allow ourselves to be manipulated into working against each other. One of the tactics used by those who practice divide and conquer is to create a difficult situation, and then befriend some of the people and help them out. This of course creates resentment between those who do not have control and diverts it from those who do.

We know better now than to fight amongst ourselves.

No teacher is any other teacher’s enemy.

No parent is any other parent’s adversary.

No taxpayer wants to see his neighbor’s property values ruined.

We are all in this together. We will not be reduced to arguing over the crumbs after those sitting at the table have had their fill. We refuse to accept second class status. Each of us has a responsibility to advocate for all the people and programs that contribute to the education of our children and avoid arguing over favorites. We must peacefully and respectfully correct anyone who preaches divisiveness or negativity. We have achieved a lot this year. We have stood up for our rights and as a result are standing toe to toe with the bullies. Now is the time for calm determination. – Steven White, editor