Power of Ten Update
Special Edition: Vote Tuesday
Tuesday, June 19 is the budget re-vote.
East Ramapo has seen more budgets voted down than any other district in NY State.
The result is higher class sizes, fewer options, and lower outcomes.
This is unacceptable.
There is also a continuing crisis of trust in East Ramapo.
People do not feel sure that all of their tax dollars are really going towards education.
This is because the school board has been found to be favoring the interests of private religious schools (yeshivas) which are infamous for taking public education dollars but not providing an education to the students.
However, our district also has many hard working staff who love the students and are doing their best under very difficult circumstances.
We cannot afford to let these good people down.
We cannot afford to let the children down.
Even though it can feel like paying a ransom, we have to keep things in perspective.
First, be aware that your school tax is not your whole property tax bill. The proposed increase only applies to the school tax portion. For each $1000 of school tax a homeowner now pays, there will be only $28.90 additional per year. That’s about $2.41 per month.
Second, even though there is still a lot of mistrust, one thing we do know for sure is that a failed budget will cause suffering for the children next year.
So, we are asking you to take a few minutes on Tuesday, and vote YES for the budget.
You know we will continue to push hard for more accountability, and eventually for some long term solution to our crisis, so aptly called “A Not So Simple Majority” by This American Life.
Tuesday is a different job, but just as important. Please Vote YES for the budget.
-Steven White