Demand Better Leadership

The Power of Ten

Special Edition: Call to Action

If there is one person who is most responsible for the degradation of East Ramapo, it is Aron Wieder. In Nov, 2009, Aron Wieder brought Al D’Agostino to East Ramapo. In June of 2011, the school board majority, led by Aron Wieder chose Dr. Joel Klein  for Superintendent of schools. 

Last year, the majority of the Democrats in the Rockland County Legislature supported the oversight bill offered by Assembly members Jaffee and Zebrowski and Senator Carlucci. Mr. Wieder, as the leader of the Democratic majority, should have carried their message to Albany. Instead, he spearheaded the effort to block the legislation.

The Rockland County Legislature Democrats should not allow Mr. Wieder to continue in a leadership role. His record as Majority Leader is inconsistent with Democratic Party values. He put his own opinions ahead of his duty to his fellow legislators.

There are three Democratic Rockland County Legislators who supported the legislation for a monitor in East Ramapo but have not yet indicated if they will oppose a re-nomination of Mr. Wieder. They are Toney Earl, Aney Paul, and Alden Wolfe.

Please call the Legislature at 845-638-5100 and ask to speak to Toney Earl, Aney Paul, and Alden Wolfe. You may be directed to their constituent representatives.

Leave a message:

Thank you for continuing to support strong oversight for East Ramapo. I am calling to ask you not to vote to approve Aron Wieder as Majority Leader. Mr. Wieder does not support strong oversight for East Ramapo. He does not respect our views and he has failed to represent you as your leader.

Then, E-mail the same message:

Hon. Alden H. Wolfe, Chairman
WolfeA@co.rockland.ny.us

Hon. Toney L. Earl
EarlT@co.rockland.ny.us

Hon. Aney Paul
PaulA@co.rockland.ny.us

Thank you,

Steven White
Editor, The Power of Ten

12-30-12

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

  1. Over 2000 people have signed the petition!
  2. Please support the class action civil rights lawsuit
  3. End of year message from Power of Ten

1) Petition for state oversight of East Ramapo now over 2000 signers:

There are now over 2000 signers to the petition at www.poweroften.us/petition which was created only 10 days ago.

Please share the petition with all your email contacts, Facebook friends and Twitter followers. There are share buttons for Facebook and Twitter right on the petition. The link to email your friends is www.poweroften.us/petition

There is a Facebook event page at: http://www.facebook.com/events/342604792513847/ Clicking “Going” to the event is another great way to show your support and also an easy way to spread the word.

Please confirm your signature: If you have not confirmed already, expect to get a confirmation email for your petition signature. Please add steve@poweroften.us to your “safe sender” list, (aka contact list, friend list or address book) to ensure that the confirmation goes to your inbox.

2) Please support the class action lawsuit:

Advocates for Justice, a New York based, non-profit, public interest law firm, has filed a class action, civil rights lawsuit on behalf of East Ramapo School District parents, students, and taxpayers.

Advocates for Justice is not charging us a fee for this action, but they are in need funds to continue this fight. They are asking us to contribute what we can. Monthly amounts are especially helpful (and easier on tight family budgets!)
Be part of the solution, contribute online, or mail a check to:
Advocates for Justice
225 Broadway, Suite 1902
New York, NY 10007

3) A very eventful year:

A lot has happened this year in the struggle for public education in East Ramapo. There have been a lot of hard knocks for the staff who lost their jobs, the parents who are worried about their kids education and who feel disrespected by the school board, and especially for students who have to deal with the loss of many programs, overcrowding, lack of materials, dirty classrooms, aging school buses, and even smaller meals (yes, they even cut portions in the cafeterias). Many staff members have gone above and beyond to try to keep up services, including spending money out of their own pockets. The district suffered a terrible blow to morale when they laid off Michael Smith, who had led the marching band to so many joyful awards and celebrations. This year Mr. Smith took the Nyack marching band to their first state competition, and they won first place. Videos of the East Ramapo Marching Band can be seen here: http://poweroften.us/video-gallery/marching-band/

However, there have also been several hopeful developments which lead me to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

  • Advocates for Justice, a non-profit public interest law firm, has committed to seek relief for us in court. The class action civil rights lawsuit they have filed on behalf of 845 students, parents and taxpayers from our community is a direct confrontation of the cause of our problems: a school board which has diverted funds to promote their own religion and private religious schools; discriminated against and segregated students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, and religion; gutted the funding of the public schools; and damaged the quality of education of our children.
  • The State Education Department has become increasingly critical of the governance of the district. They have been particularly concerned with the illegal diversion of public funds to private religious schools and the illegal deficit which has started to affect Rockland BOCES and thereby all districts in Rockland County.
  • Increasing community involvement, including over 500 parents and students who came to the last school board meeting and over 2000 who have signed the online petition so far.

You can read more about the events of 2012 in the Power of Ten archives at http://poweroften.us/updates/

 

12-27-12

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

  1. Petition almost at 1500 signers
  2. Please support the class action civil rights lawsuit

1) Petition for state oversight of East Ramapo is on Fire

There are now almost 1500 signers to the petition at www.poweroften.us/petition which was created only 7 days ago. Please share the petition with all your email contacts and friends on Facebook.

There is a Facebook event page at: http://www.facebook.com/events/342604792513847/ Clicking “Going” to the event is a great way to show your support and also an easy way to spread the word.

Expect to get a confirmation email for your petition signature. Please add steve@poweroften.us to your “safe sender” list, (aka contact list, friend list or address book) to ensure that the confirmation goes to your inbox.

2) Please support the class action lawsuit:

Advocates for Justice, a New York based, non-profit, public interest law firm, has filed a class action, civil rights lawsuit on behalf of East Ramapo School District parents, students, and taxpayers.

Advocates for Justice is not charging us a fee for this action, but they are in need funds to continue this fight. They are asking us to contribute what we can. Monthly amounts are especially helpful (and easier on tight family budgets!)
Be part of the solution, contribute online, or mail a check to:
Advocates for Justice
225 Broadway, Suite 1902
New York, NY 10007

 

12-15-12

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

  1. Another Board Meeting Change
  2. Newsday reports on letter from NYSED to East Ramapo
  3. Please support the class action civil rights lawsuit
  4. Are Art and Music required?
  5. Message from the editor

1) Latest changes: Board meeting at RAMAPO HIGH SCHOOL TUESDAY NIGHT at 7:00 PM

The next board meeting is advertised at 7:00 PM, but the web page says they “anticipate” and “intend” to start the public session at 7:45.

We are fighting to save public education, will you join us? We will NOT BE SILENT!!!

Please make every effort to be at the board meeting on Tuesday!!!

2) Newsday: State demands answers in East Ramapo Budget Crisis

According to the new Westchester/Rockland Edition of Newsday, the State Education Department has sent a letter to East Ramapo officials.

State Education Commissioner John King Jr. told Newsday “I’m very concerned about the decisions the district is making around its finances, including the failure to pay for the BOCES services,”and “We are committed to exercising whatever authority we have to assure that students are well served.”

The state is also offering to help the district out of the mess it has created with inappropriate special education placements to non-public schools.

Read the whole article online. It is quite an eye-opener!

3) Please support the class action lawsuit:

In 2009, East Ramapo parents first got together to chant “Save Our Schools”. Since then, there have been hundreds of layoffs and program cuts, and multiple citations from the state for failing to educate and failing to protect the taxpayers’ investments. Today, we are fighting back with a class action civil rights lawsuit!

Advocates for Justice, a New York based, non-profit, public interest law firm, has filed this lawsuit on behalf of East Ramapo School District parents, students, and taxpayers.

Advocates for Justice is not charging us a fee for this action, but they are in need funds to continue this fight. They are asking us to contribute what we can. Monthly amounts are especially helpful (and easier on tight family budgets!)

Be part of the solution, contribute online, or mail a check to:

Advocates for Justice

225 Broadway, Suite 1902

New York, NY 10007

4) Are Music and Art required at the Elementary level?

From the NY State Education Dept. Regulations of the Commissioner:

”all students (in grade 1-6) shall receive instruction that is designed to facilitate their attainment of the State … learning standards in … the arts, including visual arts, music, dance and theatre”

“The (grade 1-6) music requirement means all students are to receive instruction in classroom general music … students must receive classroom general music instruction.”

5) Message from the editor:

The East Ramapo School Board meetings sometimes seem like chapters from “Alice in Wonderland”, with money appearing and disappearing, insane rants from the board president, and board members darting out the back door in the middle of meetings. Now they are becoming like the Cheshire Cat, very hard to say just where or when they can be found. How is a reasonable person supposed to attend such a meeting?

The school board has proposed that they will make extensive mid-year cuts which could include cutting ALL kindergarten classes!!! They are considering eliminating ALL Elementary Art and Music teachers!!! THIS is the meeting they choose to play musical chairs with the place and the time for the public to attend??? – Steven White, editor “The Power of Ten”

“Human rights violations are not accidents; they are not random in distribution or effect. Rights violations are, rather, symptoms of deeper pathologies of power and are linked intimately to the social conditions that so often determine who will suffer abuse and who will be shielded from harm.” – Dr. Paul Farmer

 

12-9-12

Power of Ten Update

  1. Video of Feb 4 Board Meeting
  2. Advocates for Justice Fall Awards Ceremony

1) Video of Feb 4 Board meeting

East Ramapo students talk to the board about the effect mid-year cuts would have on education: http://youtu.be/fvZO0eJRzSc

East Ramapo Board member Steven Price talks about the real reasons for the deficit: http://youtu.be/U_sDbtfFJ5U

Superintendent Klein once again presents the board with a Treasurer’s Report that he knows is wrong! Will this report be approved this month? http://youtu.be/waYlryhzyco
Moses Friedman suddenly walks out of the meeting, shutting down the board due to the lack of a quorum: http://youtu.be/nrTZ3XRZiu4

2) Advocates for Justice Fall Awards Ceremony Features East Ramapo Alumni, Honors Alumni Activist Group:

Monday, December 10, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Symphony Space, 95th Street & Broadway, New York, NY (only 30 – 40 minutes from Rockland)

Parent Discount Tickets are still available!!! (only $25)

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES:

Actor Geoffrey Owens (“Elvin,” The Cosby Show) performing “Shakespeare on Justice”

The Herve Alexandre Jazz Quartet (Ramapo HS Alumnus)

HONOREES:

A Lifetime of Leadership

Hon. Nydia Velazquez, Member, U.S. House of Representatives

Jon Kest, Executive Director, NY Communities for Change

Mike Kenny, 9/11 First Responder

Extraordinary Advocates for Our Children

Mona Davids, Founder/President, NYC Parents Union

Leonie Haimson, Founder/Executive Director, Class Size Matters

The PTO of Peninsula Preparatory Academy (Far Rockaway, Queens)

Save Our Schools – East Ramapo (Rockland County)

Southside Community Schools Coalition (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)

 

11-19-12

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

  1. Advocates for Justice Fall Awards Ceremony
  2. Urgent: Your contribution is needed!
  3. How to stay informed
  4. Message from the editor

1) Advocates for Justice Fall Awards Ceremony Features East Ramapo Alumni, Honors Alumni Activist Group:

Monday, December 10, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Symphony Space, 95th Street & Broadway, New York, NY

Parent Discount Tickets are available!!!

Advocates for Justice Board members Arthur Z. Schwartz (President), Hon. Major R. Owens, John Samuelsen, Mark Rosenthal, Hon. Peggy Shepard, Bertha Lewis, Matthew Chachere, Marvin Wasserman, Mike Kenny, Suzanne Mattei, Tom Shanahan and Cate Edwards invite you to a very special evening celebrating courageous community leaders and saluting public education.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES:

Actor Geoffrey Owens (“Elvin,” The Cosby Show) performing “Shakespeare on Justice”

The Herve Alexandre Jazz Quartet (Ramapo HS Alumnus)

HONOREES:

A Lifetime of Leadership

Hon. Nydia Velazquez, Member, U.S. House of Representatives

Jon Kest, Executive Director, NY Communities for Change

Mike Kenny, 9/11 First Responder

Extraordinary Advocates for Our Children

Mona Davids, Founder/President, NYC Parents Union

Leonie Haimson, Founder/Executive Director, Class Size Matters

The PTO of Peninsula Preparatory Academy (Far Rockaway, Queens)

Save Our Schools – East Ramapo (Rockland County)

Southside Community Schools Coalition (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)

2) Please support the class action lawsuit:

Advocates for Justice, a New York based, non-profit, public interest law firm, has filed a class action civil rights lawsuit on behalf of East Ramapo School District parents, students, and taxpayers. Advocates for Justice is not charging us a fee for this action, but they are in need funds to continue this fight. They are asking us to contribute what we can. Monthly amounts are especially helpful (and easier on tight family budgets!) Be part of the solution, contribute online, or mail a check to:

Advocates for Justice

225 Broadway, Suite 1902

New York, NY 10007

3) How to stay informed:

The Journal News: www.lohud.com/eastramapo

Newsday: http://schools.newsday.com/new-york/districts/east-ramapo/

East Ramapo Underground: http://www.facebook.com/EastRamapoUnderground

Power of Ten www.poweroften.us

4) Message from the Editor:

We are now faced with a crumbling public school system, the board members of which seem intent on its complete decimation. We have no choice but to challenge the wrongs being inflicted on the public school children in East Ramapo. We are certain the board members would prefer we and our families go quietly into the night, as they close more and more public schools, so that we have no choice but to pack up and leave our homes. We refuse. We will fight for the schoolchildren of East Ramapo and their right to a sound basic public school education. The wrongful actions of the board members are violations of the law; they are violations of the Constitution and the civil rights it guarantees us. We have tried talking. They refused to listen. Litigation is the only avenue the board members have left us.

Tell your friends: “Justice is coming to East Ramapo!” … and WE can make it happen!

– Steve White, editor

 

8-19-12

Power of Ten Update

Your personal invitation:

I would like to begin this issue of the Power of Ten update with a special message for each of you. We have arrived at a point where our cause is being heard loud and clear in the halls of power.

Now there are a number of ways in which YOU can be involved. For those who have not yet really been active, if you have been waiting for a personal invitation, please consider this message your personal invitation to be part of the action.

No one can do it all by themselves, but if we each take a part, we can make a difference in the lives of the children of East Ramapo.

Here are the current actions that need your participation:

1) Class Action Lawsuit: Advocates for Justice, a New York based public interest law firm, has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of East Ramapo School District parents and students seeking monetary damages from some school board members, district officials and contractors. You can read all the details online at http://poweroften.us/legal-actions/class-action-lawsuit/

Your personal invitations:

  1. Help spread the word: print the class action flyer and pass it out to all your friends and contacts and wherever you go in East Ramapo.
  2. If you are a leader in an organization such as a church or a community group, make sure to inform the members of your organization about this issue.
  3. Sign the retainer yourself. Request it by email storre@advocatesny.com or by phone 845-554-5892
2) Participate in Events:
Your personal invitations:
  1. Come to the school board meeting on Tuesday August 21 at 7:30 PM (105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley)
  2. Come out on Thursday August 23 at 6 PM to support the students and recent alumni as they hold a press conference (outside of 105 S. Madison)
  3. Sign up for the event on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/events/277380969037251/

3) Help others stay informed:

Your personal invitations:

  1. Get others to sign up for the Power of Ten update. It’s easy to sign up right on the homepage: www.poweroften.us
  2. Join the Save Our Schools – East Ramapo Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/125700744243033/
  3. Do you have a personal story about what has been lost in East Ramapo? We are compiling a list- add your story at: http://poweroften.us/what-have-we-lost/
4) In the media:
Your personal invitation:
  1. There have been numerous articles about our issue in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, The Journal News, Preserve Ramapo, The Jewish Daily Forward, News 12, Channel 7 Eyewitness News, NBC News 4, WPIX, WCBS, and more. There is also the East Ramapo Underground call-in radio show on WRCR 1300AM every 2nd Friday of the month at 10:00 AM. There is also a YouTube channel devoted to bringing you information about East Ramapo. Share these with your friends, and take the time to call in to the radio and write letters to the editor of the Journal News at ncutler@lohud.com
To all of those who are working to ensure every child’s right to a great education- a very personal thank you!Steve White

8-17-12

Power of Ten Update

Special Edition:

The New York-based public interest law firm Advocates for Justice, on behalf of 167 East Ramapo parents and community members, has filed a class action lawsuitseeking monetary damages from school board members and some district officials and contractors, and is calling for the removal of five school board members and the appointment of a NY State overseer to remedy rampant abuses of office, including:

  • A pattern of fraud in the sale of school property
  • Willful noncompliance with special education rules
  • Unlawfully using state money to purchase religious textbooks
  • Dangerously compromising the security of students
  • Failure to provide oversight and guidelines for purchases
  • Deliberate school segregation
  • Unconstitutional gifts of public funds to private schools

These abuses have deprived children of their right to sound basic education in violation of the New York State Constitution. They have denied federally guaranteed equal protection to all students. They have breached their fiduciary duty causing a loss of funds, leading to the loss of programs vital to educational success and damaging the quality of education of the children in the district.

“Advocates for Justice” needs YOU:

If your child currently attends school in East Ramapo or you are a recent graduate within the last 5 years, YOU can join in this action and be a part of the solution!

Call 212-285-1400 or send an email to storre@advocatesny.com today!

Say “I want to join the East Ramapo Class Action Suit”!

In the News:

Reported in Newsday: Lawyer seeks worshipers’ help in East Ramapo schools case

Reported on Lohud: Parents to sue East Ramapo school board over public funds

Reported in Bloomberg Businessweek: East Ramapo School Board Sued for Money Given Yeshivas

Reported in the Rockland County Times: East Ramapo Parents Sue School District

 

7-31-12

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

  1. Governor Cuomo Vetoes S7722!
  2. East Ramapo Parents: 5 on School Board Must Go!
  3. What YOU can do to be part of the action!
1) Governor Cuomo Vetoes S7722:

Governor Cuomo has vetoed S7722, the “special education placement bill”. He says: “This bill unfairly places the burden on taxpayers to support the provision of a private education”.

The East Ramapo School Board has been doing just that with its unapproved placements which continue to be a violation of State Regulations.

Power of Ten submitted a petition with 1715 signatures asking Governor Cuomo to veto this bill. We congratulate him for doing the right thing and for noting that part of the reason for his decision was communication he received from “hundreds” of individuals. East Ramapo was the only local school board not to write the governor requesting a veto. You can call Governor Cuomo at 518-474-8390, and thank him for vetoing S7722.

2) “Advocates for Justice” needs YOU:

The New York-based public interest law firmAdvocates for Justice, on behalf of 14 East Ramapo parents and community members, said it is calling for the removal of five board members and the appointment of a an overseer to remedy rampant abuses of office within the ERCSD School Board, and prevent future abuses. This major development has been covered in The New York Times and The Journal News, and featured with Art McFarland on Channel 7 Eyewitness News.

3) YOU can join in this action and be part of the solution:

To sign on, contact Stephanie Torre at storre@advocatesny.com , or (212)285-1400 or through the web form. Please contact them by the end of business on Friday to be sure to be included in any action.

7-29-12

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

  1. East Ramapo Parents: 5 on School Board Must Go!
  2. Petition Deadline is Midnight Monday!
  3. What YOU can do to be part of the action!

1) “Advocates for Justice” file appeal to remove 5 board members

The New York-based public interest law firmAdvocates for Justice, on behalf of 14 East Ramapo parents and community members, said it is calling for the removal of five board members and the appointment of a an overseer to remedy rampant abuses of office within the ERCSD School Board, and prevent future abuses. The release of the52-page documentthat accuses the East Ramapo school board of:

  • A pattern of fraud in the sale of school property
  • Willful noncompliance with Special Education Rules causing loss of funds
  • Unlawfully using state money to purchase religious textbooks
  • Dangerously compromising the security of students
  • Failure to provide oversight and guidelines for purchases … a breach of fiduciary duty
This major development has been covered in The New York Times and The Journal News, and featured with Art McFarland on Channel 7 Eyewitness News
YOU can join in this action and be part of the solution! To sign on, contact Stephanie Torre at storre@advocatesny.com , or (212)285-1400
2) Petition deadline is rapidly approaching:

Governor Cuomo has until August 1 to veto the “special education placement bill”. Only Governor Cuomo can stop this bill from becoming law!!!

The petition started by Power of Ten will be sent on the morning of July 31. Please sign, and urge all your friends and neighbors to sign.

The deadline to sign is midnight of Monday, July 30.

3) What you can do to be part of the action:

You can see all the news and info at www.poweroften.us

7-22-12

Power of Ten Update

The Clock is Ticking!

The NY State Senate sent the ‘education placement’ bill to the Governor on Friday. He could sign it any day now, so there is no time to waste. Please reach out to all your contacts right now! E-mail, facebook, twitter, or any other way you know. As I write this, we are at 405 signatures, only 95 away from the goal. There is a link right from the Power of Ten homepage. Let’s stop this unfunded mandate that will promote segregation in special education. Thanks!

Only governor Cuomo can stop this bill from becoming law!!!

Power of Ten has created an online petition to the Governor

Sign the Petition Today

http://www.change.org/petitions/governor-andrew-m-cuomo-veto-s7722-the-special-education-placement-bill?share_id=TePXefzKwg

7-20-12

Power of Ten Update

Urgent: Action Needed Now!

In a previous update, it was reported that NYSED found the East Ramapo district to be in violation of regulations pertaining to placement of special education students.
A new law has been proposed which would allow the district to make these placements at taxpayer expense. The impact of this new unfunded mandate would devastate East Ramapo!!!
Only governor Cuomo can stop this bill from becoming law!!!
Power of Ten has created an online petition to the Governor

Sign the Petition Today

 

http://www.change.org/petitions/governor-andrew-m-cuomo-veto-s7722-the-special-education-placement-bill?share_id=TePXefzKwg

6-25-12

Power of Ten Update

In this edition:

  1. Budget passes by 3-1 margin
  2. Superintendent Klein lays off legendary marching band director, Nyack snaps him up
  3. NY State looks to roll back the clock on school desegregation 
  4. Spring Valley Senior Class President produces documentary video
  5. message from the editor
1) Budget passes by 3-1 margin
The  budget vote count on June 19 was 3562 YES and 1217 NO.  The budget which was passed included massive layoffs and cuts to programs.  A summary of layoffs can be found at: http://poweroften.us/highlights/2012-layoffs/ (note: because this is a pdf file, it may not be viewable from some smartphones)
2) Superintendent Klein lays off Legendary Band Director Michael Smith
For 27 years, Mr. Smith has led the World Famous East Ramapo Marching Band to Championships, Film and Television appearances, and over 600 local events.
What kind of school leadership would let go an individual responsible for so much success?
By letting Mr. Smith go, the Superintendent has betrayed the stated vision, values and mission of the district.   The board and the Superintendent have once again turned a deaf ear to the students and parents, who have come to many board meetings to emphasize that the Marching Band and Mr. Smith are achieving excellence.
The Nyack school District has benefited from our loss; they hired Mr. Smith immediately upon hearing he had been let go from East Ramapo.  They are looking forward to him bringing the magic to Nyack students that he has brought to East Ramapo for 27 years.
3) New law would legalize “family background” as criteria for placement
In a previous update, it was reported that NYSED found the East Ramapo district to be in violation of regulations pertaining to placement of special education students.  These violations occur when the district makes placements based on race, religion, or ethnicity rather than educational assessment.
A new law has been proposed which would allow the district to make these placements at taxpayer expense.  Only governor Cuomo can stop this bill from becoming law.  The following letter has been created as a template for you to write and express your view regarding this bill:

Dear Governor Cuomo,

The recently passed bill (NY State Assembly A10722 and Senate S7722) “Relates to determinations of appropriate educational programs for certain students” is a very dangerous bill. This bill is discriminatory in nature and was devised to circumvent Brown vs. the Board of Education!

This legislation would allow factors such as race, religion, or ethnicity to be taken into account for placement of special education students. This bill would make a mockery of Brown versus the Board of Education and encourage parents who desire segregated education at public expense to reframe a racist agenda as a multicultural one.  Allowing a consideration of “differences between the school environment and the child’s home environment and family background” in special education placement is clearly code for an agenda to school segregation supported by our tax dollars.

Please do not allow this bill to become law. It would be setback to decades of anti-discrimination and desegregation efforts, with NY State leading the way.

Thanks, (your name)

Please send your letter using the Governor’s contact form at: http://www.governor.ny.gov/ContacttheGovernor

4) Student Documentary Video by Hernz Laguerre

Spring Valley Student Body President Hernz Laguerre has created a video documenting the importance of extra-curricular activities in education.  Don’t miss this important video!

5) Message from the editor

Please take some time to look over the content on the power of ten website.  The story of our struggle is told there in documents such as the Comptroller’s report, the NYSED violation notice, and the Commissioner’s Hillcrest sale decision. It is documented in the videos of parents, students, teachers, administrators, and community members pleading with the board not to destroy our educational system.

This is a system which has been built up with hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars and countless hours of labor.  This is a system which has produced thousands of proud graduates who are contributing to society today.  This is a system which was once considered one of the top systems in the state.  According to Former Assistant Superintendent Joe Farmer, what is happening now is the systematic dismantling of this system, which amounts to a power grab that will destroy the potential of this community. In his words, “This is War!”

For years, those who have been at the helm have cited financial reasons for their actions.  But how does this explain that they created a paid position (treasurer) for a close friend, Israel Bier? This job had previously been performed by a district employee at no extra cost.  How does this explain that they replaced our long time attorney for one that cost about four times as much per hour? Or trying to sell two schools for a fraction of the appraised value? How about losing track of millions of dollars worth of textbooks loaned to their friends who run non-public schools, or violating regulations of the state to place students in non-public schools at public expense?  Is any of this sound financial policy for the district?

And then they fired Pedro Santana, the most effective and beloved administrator the district has ever seen.  And now they have let the LEGENDARY band leader Michael E. Smith go.

These were the two most prominent district wide employees who were inspiring pride and hope in the staff and the students.  

There is a documented statement by a lawyer for a non-public school that asserts a direct connection between failing public schools and opportunities for non-public schools: In a letter to the town of Ramapo in 2008, Mark Kurzman, a Pearl River attorney representing Bobover, said “there has been a serious, growing areawide need for yeshiva classroom space on all grade levels.”  He said yeshiva builders were competing with residential builders for land, adding that “the pressure is intensified by the fact that it has been well over 10 years since the (East Ramapo) school district has sold any of its sites as surplus.”

Were the board members whose close family and professional ties to the non-public school users sincerely trying to protect the public interest, or was this a ‘power grab’ to ‘dismantle’ public education in response to ‘intense pressure’ ?  The record shows that they have been cited time and again for failure to protect the taxpayer’s interest. The record shows that they have taken actions which hurt the reputation and morale of the district even when there is no financial reason for doing so.  This message is to the school board and the Superintendent: you are what your record says that you are.

4-25-12

Power of Ten Reminder
Message from Dr. Gordon re: Forum on the Future of Educational Assessment TONIGHT

Dear Parents:

Each school year, students are tested with a variety of purposes in mind. Have you ever considered what you want and need from educational testing? Do you have concerns about testing in schools? Have you ever wondered about why your child is tested and whether you can better help him/her to be prepared? Let us work together to answer these questions and others like them.

 

 

Parents, educators and students who are interested in the future of educational testing are invited to participate and share their thoughts during a public forum held by the Gordon Commission on the Future of Assessment in Education. Learn more about the work being done to change testing nationally and how these changes can affect your school-aged children for the better.

 

 

Please join us on Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Rockland Community College, Technology Center, 145 College Road, Suffern, NY. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public.

 

 

A confirmation is not necessary to attend, but will be helpful for our planning. To confirm your attendance or for additional information, please email Jamila Brathwaite at jbrathwaite@cejjesinstitute.org. To learn more about the Gordon Commission visit www.gordoncommission.org

 

Best Regards,

Edmund W. Gordon

Chairman

The Gordon Commission

4-16-12

Power of Ten Update
In this edition:
  1. Video Highlights from the last school board meeting
  2. Concerned Citizen’s fundraiser Tuesday
  3. Radio show “East Ramapo Underground” update
1) Video Highlights from the last school board meeting
Here are the videos from the April 4th School Board Meeting. Spring Break is almost over & the next meeting next Wednesday, April 18th (7:30) is the first chance to see the budget before its adopted. This will get you back up to speed.
April 2012 cuts & addbacks http://youtu.be/xBWX9LelrVo
Principal Pat Simmons http://youtu.be/6tuM_5Zmnsg
Subpoena by NYS Attorney General http://youtu.be/nAmrUypiZ3o
Lack of textbooks http://youtu.be/KEJty5Md5sM
East Ramapo School Board has done this http://youtu.be/VWEiq2DktU0
Social Worker talks about needs http://youtu.be/p6Q2dCMk-68
2) Concerned Citizen’s Fundraiser Tuesday
Let’s show support for the long overdue change in the leadership of the East Ramapo Schools. This is a one time opportunity to get out the vote-we must restore the district’s educational reputation as a leader in providing a quality educational program for a diverse student body. Please see attached flyer. Please circulate! Look forward to seeing you all!
JOIN US! As the Concerned Citizens of East Ramapo Present: Meet the Candidates Night
At the Chuggin’ Rhino (Corner of Rte 45 & 202)
Tuesday April 17th
7pm-9pm
Suggested Contribution of $25

3) Message from the East Ramapo Underground

East Ramapo Underground Show from April 12, 2012. With Special Guest Judith Johnson. Judith was the 2008 NY State Superintendent of the Year. During the Clinton administration, Judith was acting Assistant U.S. Secretary of Elementary & Secondary Education.
Judith Johnson describes an effective learning environment, the role of the superintendent & the board in the budget process and many other issues.
Remember you can follow the East Ramapo Underground by going to that Face Book Page. Press the Like button.
If you have questions or topics that you would like to see covered write to EastRamapoUnderground@hotmail.com
or follow them on Twitter at ERUnderground
The next show is Thursday @ 10 am on WRCR 1300AM, right after the Steve and Charlie Show.
Thanks, Antonio Luciano

4-11-12

Power of Ten Update Reminder: East Ramapo Concerned Citizens “Meet the candidates and canvassing kickoff” meeting tonight:

 

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

 

The purpose of this session is for you to get an understanding of the candidates platform, the canvassing process and techniques we will use, areas to be covered, timelines, materials, etc. Your suggestions and ideas on how we can make this election successful are welcome.  

 

3-27-12

Power of Ten Update
In this edition:
  1. Video Highlights from Last week’s meeting
  2. ‘Budget Forum’ Wednesday March 28
  3. Martin Luther King Center Fundraiser
  4. Radio show “East Ramapo Underground” update
1) Video Highlights from Last week’s meeting
The videos from the March 14th meeting is here. You can watch them all at www.youtube.com/luckylouproduction
Some highlights:
Betty Brown says be your brothers keeper http://youtu.be/Rkmcr2tiB-M
Kim Foskew says give the kids what they need http://youtu.be/LvcDu1YqsAU
2) Budget Forum Wednesday, March 28th @ 7:00 pm
105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley
Once again, the school board finds itself trying to piece together a budget at the last minute, without ever having substantively discussed the failure of the district to respond to the needs of the students.
Please come to support the students, even if you can’t stay for the whole meeting.
3) The Martin Luther King Multipurpose Center Fundraiser
The Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center Inc. will hold its 21st Annual Awards Benefit Dinner Dance on Sunday, April 1, 2012, from 4:00pm – 9:00pm at the Clubhouse at Patriot Hills, 19 Clubhouse Lane, Stony Point, NY.
The honorees this year include Ms. Maureen Barnett – Principal, Hempstead School, East Ramapo and the Padres Unidos Parent Group of Ramapo High School.
4) Message from the East Ramapo Underground
For those folks who missed the first show of the East Ramapo Underground, you’re in luck. The show is now available!
The entire show can be heard at http://youtu.be/fPv5jFLyins
Remember you can follow the East Ramapo Underground by going to that Face Book Page. Press the Like button.
If you have questions or topics that you would like to see covered write to EastRamapoUnderground@hotmail.com
or follow them on Twitter at ERUnderground
The next show is Thursday @ 10 am on WRCR 1300AM, right after the Steve and Charlie Show.
Thanks, Antonio Luciano

3-19-12

Power of Ten Update
In this edition:
  1. Students plead for mercy from school board
  2. Next board meeting is Wednesday March 21
  3. Rockland Community College to Hold Public Forums on the Future of Educational Assessment
  4. New Radio show “East Ramapo Underground”
  5. Message from the Editor
1) Students plead for mercy from school board
The videos from the March 14th meeting is here. You can watch them all at www.youtube.com/luckylouproduction or click on the link for any video.
Vanessa Decembre talks about education http://youtu.be/wrvp-_poygc
Tendrina Alexander talks about high school http://youtu.be/C4G1a_WPSTA
Israel Colon talks about Thespian Troupe 721 http://youtu.be/0PO2EsiraRU
Nicole Canada talks about the school district http://youtu.be/7vOLLTboaPM
Tatiana Vera talks about going to school in East Ramapo http://youtu.be/XPpTXdUFN5o
2) The next School Board Meeting is Wednesday, March 21st @ 7:30 pm
105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley
Please come early to support the students, even if you can’t stay for the whole meeting.
3) Rockland Community College to Hold Public Forums on the Future of Educational Assessment
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)
When: Educators – Thursday, March 22, 7:00-9:00 pm
From your unique perspective, what do educators need from assessment, and how can testing be used to improve teaching and learning?
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
4) Join the East Ramapo Underground
Every Thursday on WRCR 1300-AM right after the Steve and Charlie show from 10:10am – 10:40am.
The East Ramapo Underground will cover the issues and discuss the challenges facing the East Ramapo School District.
The first show will be Thursday, March 22, 2012.
The show will also stream live over the internet from www.wrcr.com
5) Message from the editor
Budget season is upon us. Once again, the school board finds itself trying to piece together a budget at the last minute, without ever having substantively discussed the failure of the district to respond to the needs of the students. The usual excuses are given about state aid, taxpayer resistance, and the economy. But there is a greater problem than any of these and that is lack of vision on behalf of the school board. A lack of vision which stems from the divisive way in which the board members have gained power. A lack of vision which stems from the lack of respect that the board members have for the students, the teachers, and the concept of public education itself.
This school board showed its real colors when it let Pedro Santana go. Pedro was the darling of the students, and beloved by the staff. He was the most effective administrator the district has ever seen, according to long time staff who served directly under prior administrators. He was inspiring the district to a new vision, one of recognizing the value of our diversity. The usual excuses about money were absent- this was a cold hearted act which seriously set back the morale of the district.
This school board has been propelled into power by mighty financial interests who manipulate divisiveness for their own gain. They are the 1% of East Ramapo, the real estate investors who have the most to gain by gutting the budget and scapegoating the students, the teachers, and the community.
The votes they cannot get by bullying they get by propagating myths. How often have you heard it said that “private school parents pay twice?” While it is certainly hard for many families to pay private school tuition, the truth is that as a whole, the district pays out more in services to private schools than it collects in taxes from the parents with children in private school. This is verified by the district’s own internal study. Another myth is that East Ramapo parents “just don’t vote”. The truth is that citizens in East Ramapo vote at 3 times the rate of other districts in the county; indeed they have one of the highest voter turnout rates for school elections in the nation. Another myth is that East Ramapo teachers are overpaid. The truth is that over the last decade East Ramapo teacher salaries have risen less than most districts in Rockland, barely keeping up with inflation. The most despicable myth of all is that our kids are just not able to succeed. The fact is that these are smart children just waiting to be given a chance. They need a district that understands them- where they come from, and where they want to go in life. They deserve a district that has a vision for their success. That is what this newsletter has dedicated itself to for the past four years. – Steven White, editor