The Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. 2013 Review
2. Let’s Make Education Our Priority for 2014
3. Advocates for Justice End of Year Donation Plea

1) 2013 Review

2013 was a very active year for the struggle for educational equity in East Ramapo schools. It began with Letters from the NY State Education Department (NYSED) demanding that East Ramapo get its financial and educational house in order.  That initiative by the state was stalled by a lawsuit brought by the district against NYSED. That was another of several suits, fought with our education tax dollars, that the school board has lost. In January, Power of Ten went to Albany with students and parents and 4,994 signatures asking for NY State to intervene.  We got a response from Commissioner King, who said that there was pending legislation that could be a solution to our problem. In June The Power of Ten submitted petitions to Governor Cuomo with 6,152 signatures in favor of the passage of the bill. We have never received any response from Governor Cuomo.  In October, The Civil Rights lawsuit brought by Advocates for Justice survived another challenge by the school board’s $600 an hour lawyers. The judge has ruled that the case will proceed, and we are confident that Justice is Coming to East Ramapo!

Read an Abbreviated History of Actions to Save Our Schools or check out the archive of Power of Ten updates for a look back at more actions, 

2) Let’s Make Education Our Priority for 2014

All of our actions have had the single goal that every child’s right to a quality education shall be ensured and protected by the community at large.  We have promoted candidates for school board, we have conducted informational rallies and protests, we have delivered our message to the school district and to our elected officials.  We have filed appeals with NYSED, some of which have been successful. However, resources continue to be diverted and programs and staff continue to be cut.  In 2014 we will continue to rally, and to lobby. We will also be in court!

3) Advocates for Justice End of Year Donation Plea

When your civil rights are trampled, and the politicians are unwilling to act, it has traditionally been the legal system which has acted to protect your rights. Access to that legal system often depends on ability to pay, and too often justice is denied due to lack of funding.

We have been extremely lucky to have our issue taken up by a not-for-profit, public interest civil rights law firm. Advocates for Justice has been working tirelessly to get the US Federal Court to order that the East Ramapo School District stop diverting funding from public schools and restore funding to the way it is mandated by law.  The case also includes recouping damages from the school officials whose actions have caused so much damage to our educational system.

Advocates for Justice is not charging a fee to any of the over 400 people who signed on as plaintiffs in this suit. However, this is a very complicated suit and the school board has already spent millions of dollars trying to make it go away.  They know that if this case goes to trial, they will be personally liable, and they are using every desperate measure to try to stop this case from ever being seen by a jury.

We must come together to sustain our side of this legal battle.  That means each of us needs to pitch in for the costs, in whatever way we can.

Click Here to Donate to the Advocates for Justice East Ramapo Save Our Schools Legal Fund

Donations to Advocates for Justice are tax-deductible.

WE can make Justice come to East Ramapo! Please donate today!

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. East Ramapo activists to receive Peace Prize
2. Crisis in East Ramapo declared an emergency priority by the Village of Spring Valley
3. New lawsuit addresses failure to provide basic education to all students

1) East Ramapo Activists to Receive Peace Prize

YOU are INVITED to attend this celebration featuring the Living Legend, America’s best-loved folksinger, Pete Seeger!!! There will be many other performers, including East Ramapo parent Tjokorda Gde Arsa Artha.   Follow the link below for times, suggested donation, and more info.

The 2013 Fellowship of Reconciliation Nyack Area Peace Award Winners are Steve and Emilia White!!!

The award will be presented on December 22^nd at the Fellowship of Reconciliation’s Winter Solstice House Concert and Nyack-Area Peace Award Presentation

2) Crisis in East Ramapo declared an emergency priority by the Village of Spring Valley

Calling the situation in East Ramapo a “crisis,” the Village of Spring Valley passed a resolution stating that it will play an active role to address the issues facing the East Ramapo Central School District.

The Journal News: New Spring Valley board focuses on East Ramapo’s troubles

 3) New lawsuit addresses failure to provide basic education to all students

The cuts to programs in East Ramapo have affected many students. If you are a parent who is concerned that your student may not be receiving all the educational programs that they should be, you may be interested in a new lawsuit which addresses this issue on a statewide level.  Please contact Dr. Oscar Cohen for more information at oscarpcohen@optonline.net

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. East Ramapo Activists to Receive Peace Prize
2. Cuomo Must Intervene in East Ramapo
   
3. The Campaign for Educational Equity Wants You!
4. Crisis in East Ramapo is Major Factor in Nov 5^th Election

1) East Ramapo Activists to Receive Peace Prize

The 2013 Fellowship of Reconciliation Nyack Area Peace Award Winners are Steve and Emilia White!!!

The award will be presented on December 22^nd at the Fellowship of Reconciliation’s Winter Solstice House Concert and Nyack-Area Peace Award Presentation

Featuring the music of PETE SEEGER!!!!!!!!!!!!! (One cannot put enough exclamation marks after typing PETE SEEGER!!!!!!!!!!)

2) Cuomo Must Intervene in East Ramapo

In an incisive and insightful letter to the editor, Dr. Oscar Cohen calls on Governor Cuomo to intervene in East Ramapo

Cuomo needs to intervene on behalf of East Ramapo students

3) The Campaign for Educational Equity Wants You!

The Teachers College, Columbia University Campaign for Educational Equity (CEE) is filing a class action lawsuit against New York State and is seeking specific data about the harm imposed on students who are not receiving required education, related services and/or extra curricula activities.

They are looking for parents of students who may have been personally deprived by these cutbacks. Please contact Dr. Oscar Cohen if you would like to participate at oscarpcohen@optonline.net

 4) Crisis in East Ramapo is Major Factor in Nov 5^th Election

This year voters all over Rockland had East Ramapo on their minds as they went to the polls. Thanks to an increase in media coverage over the past year, the public is well aware of the reprehensible treatment that students, parents, and the public in general have received and continue to receive from the East Ramapo School Board. The same political machine which delivered school board seats in East Ramapo was promoting its agenda for many elected positions around Rockland. Most prominently they wanted to be the deciding factor in the Rockland County Executive race. They supported the Democratic candidate, David Fried, who was already considered by many as the front runner because of his many endorsements, including President Clinton, and because Democrats outnumber Republicans in Rockland County two to one. He is also an excellent campaigner, and very well liked for good reason as he is a really nice guy. The voters responded with a resounding victory for the underdog, Ed Day, who is also a nice guy and ran a good campaign, because they are fully aware of what is happening in East Ramapo and how it is only possible because of the political machine that elects the school board members, and they do not want that machine to have any more power. Ed Day early on aligned himself with East Ramapo activists Betty Carmand, Hiram Rivera, Weldon McWilliams and Emilia White, who were also running for elected office on the Preserve Rockland ballot line, and wrote a position piece on East Ramapo which mirrored the positions of the East Ramapo activists. By aligning himself with us, he made it clear that he was not interested in receiving the support of our opponents. The 8,667 votes that Ed Day got on the Preserve Rockland Line were the deciding factor in the election. Before November 5th, it was considered necessary to get the support of the machine that elected our East Ramapo school board in order to win a countywide election in Rockland. After November 5th, those who seek elected office should think twice about relying on that machine. Preserve Rockland is now more than a way to send a message with your vote, it is the most powerful third party line in Rockland County. Emilia White was another Preserve Rockland Candidate who won her election. She gathered 1,575 votes on the Democratic line, more than any other major party candidate for Spring Valley Trustee, and added 341 on the Preserve Rockland line for a total of 1,916 votes.

Power of Ten Update

In this issue:

1. Parent Files Appeal Re: Lack of Music and Art in East Ramapo
   
2. SOS President: Send a Message on November 5th

1) Parent Files Appeal Re: Lack of Music and Art in East Ramapo

East Ramapo Parent David Curry has served the Board of Education with a Section 310 Appeal regarding its failure to provide instruction in music and art in the elementary schools, in violation of NYSED regulations.

Lohud: East Ramapo parent appeals to state over lack of music, art instruction

The superintendent has said that activists file complaints “just for fun”.  Perhaps he thinks it is funny for parents to see their children crying because they don’t have music?

Thank you, Mr. Curry, for standing up for your child and for all of our children.

2) Send a message on November 5th

The “Save Our Schools” (SOS) efforts to resolve the crisis in East Ramapo Schools have focused on the following topics:

1) Recognition that the crisis is the result of the disconnect between the interests of the school board and the children actually attending the public schools.

2) Petitioning the NYS Education Department to intervene on behalf of our children’s right to a quality education.

3) Appealing specific decisions of the school board which were arbitrary, and which damaged the education system of the children and/or the interests of the taxpayers of Rockland County.

4) Petitioning Governor Cuomo, our legislators, and the Commissioner of Education to intervene in the governance of the district.

5) Filing a class action lawsuit on behalf of parents, students and taxpayers to force the district to provide a quality education and hold the school board members accountable for their mismanagement.

6) Requesting that a study be conducted to find and compare possible innovative solutions to the systemic problems associated with a district in which a majority of school-aged children do not attend public schools.

7) Demanding that parents must be included in the discussions and decision making regarding their children’s education in public schools.

This year, candidates running for election on every party line and for every municipal office are talking about East Ramapo. Several of them have family connections, or were themselves students. Some have been very active in our campaigns to elect school board members, or have themselves been candidates. These include Emilia White (school board candidate in 2009), Hiram Rivera (school board candidate in 2012), Betty Carmand (plaintiff in the civil rights lawsuit and filed an appeal to NYSED) and Dr. Weldon McWilliams IV who is an advisor to the East Ramapo Student Coalition.

This year, a local party named “Preserve Rockland” has been formed which includes the above named candidates and promises to make the work they have been doing as citizens and activists their work as elected officials. The candidates who comprise the Preserve Rockland slate include Democrats, Republicans and Working Families party members. There are candidates in several municipalities, including the Towns of Ramapo and Clarkstown, the Villages of Spring Valley and Suffern, and Rockland County.

By voting on the Preserve Rockland line, Row “G”, we are sending a message that the problems of East Ramapo MUST be dealt with NOW, for the sake of the children of East Ramapo and ALL the children in Rockland County. We realize there are other important issues and other worthy candidates, but there may never be another chance like this year for OUR VOICES to be heard.

Robert Forrest

President

Save Our Schools-East Ramapo

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. Federal Civil Rights Court Date
2. Board Meeting Tuesday
3. Questions from East Ramapo Underground
4. East Ramapo Gambles on Budgets

1) Federal Civil Rights Court Date

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. A motion has been filed by the defendants to dismiss the lawsuit, and Judge Cathy Seibel will issue her decision on Monday.

The public is encouraged to attend:

Monday September 30 at 10:30 AM

Federal Courthouse Room 621 – Judge Cathy Seibel

300 Quarropas Street White Plains, NY

2) Board Meeting Tuesday

East Ramapo School Board Meeting
Tuesday,October 1, 2013
105 South Madison Ave, Spring Valley, Administration Building
7:30p.m. Regular Meeting

3) Questions from East Ramapo Underground

• Why is D’Agostino still working for the District 3 months after the Board said they would get another attorney?
• Why are children sitting 2 to a desk?
• Why are there segregated Special Ed Kindergarten Classes in Yiddish?

4) East Ramapo Gambles on Budgets

Letter by Stephen Price, Former Board Member of East Ramapo
published in the Journal News (Sept 22)

Re: “East Ramapo’s aid issues will spread,” Sept. 5th Letter:

Regarding the Gap Elimination Adjustment Law, the letter writer missed an important point setting East Ramapo apart from all other Rockland school districts. Even if the GAP elimination law is repealed, there is no amount of increased state aid that will help East Ramapo as long as schools Superintendent Joel Klein and the Board of Education are allowed to continue to overspend their revenues as they have the past two years. This practice has accelerated the financial and educational demise of East Ramapo.

In his response to the recent comptroller’s audit, Dr. Klein stated, “We anticipate that within the next three years, the district will no longer require ‘one time revenue’ sources to bridge the gaps in the district budget.” Dr. Klein implies there are financial controls in place. But the recent history of mid-year program cuts demonstrates a profound lack of adequate planning. More realistically, Dr. Klein’s response is nothing more than a euphemism for a plan to continue deficit spending.

After the board recently cut more than $3 million from the voter-approved budget, it became apparent the distict’s response to the comptroller’s audit is an ominous foretelling of a dark financial future for East Ramapo.

This year, the district is gambling on almost $12 million in questionable revenue and budget assumptions. If these gambles do not pay off, the results will be more program cuts and more program cuts and more excuses to sell off the district’s assets.

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. Slumlords on the School Board?
2. Democratic Primary Candidate’s Forum Today, September 3
3. Convicted pedophile still teaching at non-public school in East Ramapo
4. Unregistered non-public schools are failing children
5. Message from the editor

1) Slumlords on the School Board?

The president of the East Ramapo school board has made the news for owning an illegal boarding house in Spring Valley. The property is reported for lacking working smoke detectors, construction without a permit, and occupancy of uninhabitable space in the basement.

The Journal News: East Ramapo board chief’s complex has illegal subdivision, inspectors say

This is not the first time a school board member has made the news for unethical activity. In 2010, a school board member was cited by the health department for an illegal boarding house with occupancy of uninhabitable space and violations that were considered life threatening. Children (presumably East Ramapo students) were living in the building.

Preserve Ramapo: Slumlord Sits on East Ramapo School Board and Spring Valley Zoning Board

Both school board members were using the same property manager, who manages many properties throughout East Ramapo. The fact that many properties are unsafe and overcrowded has been common knowledge for many years. The Journal News has recently done a blistering series of articles on reckless real estate profiteering that is putting school children, among others, at risk:

The Journal News: Landlords profit from illegal, dangerous housing, fire officials say

The Journal News: Haphazard housing: Ramapo lax as landlords profit

2) Candidate’s Forum TODAY, September 3:

Come and hear from Candidates running in the Sept 10 Democratic Primary Election for: County Executive and Village of Spring Valley Mayor & Trustee

When: Tuesday, September 3, 2013 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Where: Louis Kurtz Civic Center, 9 North Main Street in Spring Valley

3) Convicted pedophile still teaching at non-public school in East Ramapo:

The following special report titled “Broken Trust” is as frightening as it is infuriating:

Sex abuse victim from New Square speaks exclusively to News 12

The DA calls a plea bargain for probation “an appropriate way to keep control of this individual”, but in the next clip, students reveal he remains in the classroom!

4) Unregistered non-public schools are failing children:

This article in The Jewish Daily Forward includes riveting audio by graduates of East Ramapo non-public schools whose diplomas are not recognized by colleges.  One characterizes his education there as “a pretend education” and “a fraud”. Your tax dollars subsidize services to those schools.

Struggle and Triumph of College for Hasidim

5) Message from the editor:

The above four articles may seem unrelated, but there is one common string connecting them: the bloc vote.  It is hard to imagine a school board member in any other district being re-elected after being exposed as a slumlord.  It happens in East Ramapo because of the bloc vote.  It is amazing that a convicted pedophile should receive a deal that has resulted in him being able to continue to work with children. Those protecting the pedophiles by intimidating victims control large blocs of votes. The control of these voters is made possible by the East Ramapo school district, which decades ago made a deal to look the other way as thousands of children in unregistered schools are denied their right to an education, in return for some temporary relief from the bloc vote. If you come to the forum today, and you get to ask a question, perhaps it should be if the candidate has made any deals for votes?

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. 50^th Anniversary REALIZE THE DREAM! Event
2. NAACP and JAMCCAR Host Candidate’s Forum
3. Rockland, State Must Rescue the Kids of East Ramapo
4. Videos from East Ramapo Underground
5. Governor Cuomo Disappoints East Ramapo AGAIN!

1) 50^th Anniversary REALIZE THE DREAM! Event:

Join us in this FREE Community Event to Celebrate the Advances while Empowering Ourselves to Help Rockland County. There will be: live music, and messages from community and religious leaders commemorating the 1963 March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made his historic “I Have a Dream” speech.

When: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 7:30PM

Where: Grace Point Gospel Fellowship 384 New Hempstead Road. New City, NY

 For more information call (845) 379-0810

Sponsored by: Grace Point Gospel Fellowship, The Monel Show & Wake Up Rockland

 2) NAACP and JAMCCAR Host Candidate’s Forum

Come and hear from Candidates running in the Sept 10 Democratic Primary Election for: County Executive and Village of Spring Valley Mayor & Trustee

When: Tuesday, September 3, 2013 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Where: Louis Kurtz Civic Center, 9 North Main Street in Spring Valley

3) Rockland, state must rescue the kids of East Ramapo

Community View in The Journal News by Ed Day

The writer, a New City resident and Rockland County legislator, is the Preserve Rockland candidate for Rockland County Executive.

4) Videos from East Ramapo Underground:

East Ramapo complains about the Lottery Spin-up money that they requested.

East Ramapo can’t get it straight as they try to elect a President for the Board.

East Ramapo School Board tries to nominate a Vice President for the Board

Treasurer Bier: budget policy not enforced

D’Agostino good enough for the school district but not Aron Wieder?

The next school board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3rd.

– East Ramapo Underground

5) Governor Cuomo Disappoints East Ramapo AGAIN!

The following letter is written from Peggy Hatton to Commissioner King because Governor Cuomo has not signed the bill to advance payment of lottery money to East Ramapo.  The East Ramapo school board doesn’t want the Lottery Spin-up money because the bill also has oversight of how the money will be spent!

The result is that the board cut another $3.5 million from the programs for the kids.  If you would like to tell Governor Cuomo how you feel about what is essentially a veto of help for the kids and oversight of our notorious school board, call him at: (518) 474-8390.

The letter also mentions that Peggy is moving to Florida.  We wish her well in her new home. She has done a lot for our kids, and will be missed.  Messages of thanks and good luck can be sent to eastramapounderground@hotmail.com

Dear Commissioner King,
I am writing this email to inform you that earlier this week, the BOE in East Ramapo cut 3.5 million dollars from the budget at the same time that they set the tax rate.

The reason they cut the 3.5 million dollars is because the Governor has not requested the Lottery Spin Up bill for his signature. School starts in less than three weeks. The Board is not happy about the oversight and accountability provisions of this bill. At the BOE meeting, they said that the bill had been ‘high jacked’ by the Assembly. In an normal school district, the BOE and Administration would embrace community input….but not East Ramapo.

These funds were supposed to be used this school year to bring back Art and Music Teachers, Nurses, extracurriculars, sports, etc. When I asked Dr. Klein what his plan was to teach regular Ed teachers how to teach Art and Music, he said there will be inservice sessions. None of the teachers I know were aware of any such training. Also, there is no plan that we are aware of to deal with the prep periods that the staff used during the Music and Art classes.

We are asking ourselves if your office was aware of these cuts since you were involved with the budgeting process, providing oversight from the deficits the BOE caused over the past few years? How could your office let this happen?

I believe that our students are going to suffer as a result of the politics that are being played out between East Ramapo and Albany. I am begging you to get involved and call the Governor to ask him to sign the bill today and free up the money that was promised to us so that our kids will have at least some kind of a normal school year and that our teachers and staff can be recalled for the first day on school. Our kids are already so disadvantaged, they cannot be ignored.

Due to a change in my husband’s employment, I will be moving to Florida in just a few days. I will keep involved in the East Ramapo issues as best I can. But I will be relying on others to be my eyes on the ground. It is even more important than ever that you take an active role in the East Ramapo. Our kids need your voice more than ever.

Regards,
Peggy Hatton

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. D’Agostino to go, but not soon enough!!!!
2. Commissioner King Annuls Lease to Yeshiva Avir Yakov

1) D’Agostino to go, but not soon enough!!!

At the July 8 East Ramapo School Board meeting, called specially to deal with lawyer Chris Kirby’s notorious outbursts, the school board adjourned with a statement read by the board president, but took no action!!!

A rally was held prior to the meeting and during the executive session.

YouTube Videos of the Rally

The school board could have immediately terminated the contract with the law firm, as was done for previous counsel, but they did not.

They could have apologized to those who have been the victims of obscenities and bullying, but they did not.

Instead, they announced that D’Agostino had told them that he “may not have sufficient resources to service all of the legal needs of our district”.

The board president said that the “process” to “transition to other legal representation” would “begin immediately”.

The school board president never acknowledged that the actions of lawyers Kirby and D’Agostino were in violation of district policy.  NO ACTION was taken to enforce these policies.  It remains unclear what the board means when they say “immediately”.

News Coverage:

ABC News: School board to hire new lawyer after hostile exchange

NBC News: School Board Fires Lawyer After Expletive-Laced Tirade Caught on Video

The Journal News: East Ramapo to split with firm after lawyer’s profane outburst

The Journal News: East Ramapo to keep paying law firm until new one hired

The Journal News: Editorial: East Ramapo’s split with law firm won’t end woes

The Rockland County Times: D’Agostino Law Firm will be replaced

2) Commissioner King Annuls Lease to Yeshiva Avir Yakov:

New York State Education Commissioner King has upheld a petition filed by Robert Forrest in September of 2011 against the East Ramapo school district. Commissioner King annulled the lease of Hillcrest Elementary School to Congregation Yeshiva Avir Yakov of New Square.

It has been estimated that the lease was losing a half million dollars per year compared to what a competitive lease could have brought for East Ramapo students and taxpayers.

The Journal News: State education chief blocks East Ramapo school lease to yeshiva

The Rockland County Times: No Hillcrest Yeshiva

Power of Ten Update

Reminder: Respect Rally Monday July 8

The Save Our Schools Coalition announces ‘Rally for Respect’, a Peaceful Protest in East Ramapo to demand immediate termination of the law firm D’Agostino and Minerva, and to request state intervention.

THE DETAILS:

Rally for RESPECT

Monday, July 8 at 6:45 PM

105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley, NY

The law firm of D’Agostino and Minerva was retained by the East Ramapo school board in 2008. Since then there have been numerous outbursts and unprofessional conduct on behalf of the lawyers, specifically Christopher Kirby and Albert D’Agostino. This latest incident took place July 2nd and was caught on film, the video can be seen here: http://youtu.be/qsOcR2mYKq0

The public is outraged by the actions of Chris Kirby and demand the law firm be terminated for their repeated disrespect toward the public school community. Local media and elected officials agree:

• “These actions were reprehensible and uncalled for in their entirety and demonstrate a lack of professional conduct that should never be tolerated.” – Senator David Carlucci
• “The ERCSD Board should terminate the contract with Minerva and D’Agostino now. They set a poor example for all of the students, public and private, in the East Ramapo School District.” – Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee
• The Journal News: East Ramapo must fire outside counsel – now

We will also be expressing our desire for state intervention in our school district. Our school board can no longer provide what is fair for the public school students and it is up to governor Cuomo to intervene.

• “State intervention is the only answer that I can see at this point. Only time will tell what the solution will be, but it looks pretty dire if it continues this way for East Ramapo and the community.” – Antonio Luciano, parent and videographer

Let’s make this a truly massive and meaningful rally! The theme is ‘RESPECT’.  Those with a creative impulse are invited to make signs that convey that message. The word ‘RESPECT’ should be featured. Please make every effort to attend, and bring as many people as you can!!!!

You can also join the event on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/330386417093071/

Send an email to Governor Cuomo, Assemblyman Zebrowski, and The NY State Bar Association, asking them to join the Journal News, Senator Carlucci, and Assemblywoman Jaffee in condemning the behavior of East Ramapo Lawyers: http://poweroften.us/about/fire-dagostino/

Justice is Coming to East Ramapo, and WE can make it happen!

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. Lawyer for East Ramapo Explodes with Obscenity and Hostility!!!
2. Rally for Respect Monday

1) Lawyer for East Ramapo Explodes with Obscenity and Hostility!!!

At the July 2 East Ramapo School Board meeting lawyer Chris Kirby interrupted a parent during the public speaking portion at the end of the meeting: http://youtu.be/x1P-BWF5X4s.

He then threatened to fight another parent (caution: this portion contains unedited profanity): http://youtu.be/qsOcR2mYKq0

This is now the sixth time that a lawyer from the firm of Minerva and D’Agostino has cursed at or threatened a parent or student.

News Coverage:

ABC News: Obscenities fly after school board meeting

The Journal News: East Ramapo must fire outside counsel – now

NY Daily News: East Ramapo district school board lawyer Christopher Kirby launches into profanity-laced tirade at parents

UK Daily Mail: Shocking video shows school’s attorney screaming obscenities in parking lot at mother who thought he had laughed at her special needs son at board meeting

2) Rally for Respect:

The whole of Rockland and beyond is reacting with shock at the continued abusive behavior of the East Ramapo School Board and their attorney. The Save Our Schools Coalition is calling for a non-violent protest immediately preceding the next school board meeting on Monday, July 8. Let’s make this a truly massive and meaningful rally! The theme is ‘RESPECT’.  Those with a creative impulse are invited to make signs that convey that message. The word ‘RESPECT’ should be featured. You can also join the event on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/330386417093071/

THE DETAILS:

Rally for RESPECT

Monday, July 8 at 6:45 PM

105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley, NY

Please make every effort to attend, and bring as many people as you can!!!!

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. Message From a Reader
2. Three Days Left to Sign to Save East Ramapo
3. Budget Revote Tuesday
4. Commissioner King discusses East Ramapo on WNYC
5. New Video Featured on Power of Ten

1) Hillcrest Resident Encourages Contacting Governor Cuomo

I urge everyone who received Steve’s message about contacting the governor’s office about the situation in the East Ramapo Schools to call or e-mail Governor Cuomo immediately.  I called today, and the phone was answered without any waiting, the representative listened to everything I said without interrupting, and I could hear typing sounds.  I was told that the message would be passed on.  It was very easy, and it only took about five minutes out of my day.  If all 4,000+ who signed the petition make a personal contact, there will be no doubt in Albany that we care about our children who have been left behind, and we expect the state to take decisive, fair action.  Thank you.

Nancy Mirsky

Member:  Neighbors of Hillcrest

The Governor’s number is (518) 474-8390

You can also Tweet him: @NYGovCuomo #SaveEastRamapo

His email is gov.cuomo@chamber.state.ny.us

Talking Points:

• East Ramapo Central School District was once considered among the best in NY State. Today, the graduation rate is just 74%, and for Hispanic Students just 54%!  Tell him he cannot let the destruction of East Ramapo continue!
• The East Ramapo School Board has gutted public education! They have dramatically increased class sizes, decreased or eliminated arts, music, advanced placement and sports programs.
• East Ramapo is not just another district with budget problems.  Our board has illegally diverted funds to segregated private religious schools, depriving public school students of their right to a quality education.  NY State MUST intervene!

2) Our Petition Is Now Over 5,700!!!

Have you signed yet? The petition is open to all people, regardless of your age, residency status, or where you live, so please invite all your friends far and near!

http://poweroften.us/sign-the-petition/

Join the Petition Event on Facebook:

3) Budget Revote

The revote will be held Tuesday, June 18. For info on registration, polling places, etc., go to www.poweroften.us/voting-info. The administration is saying that if this budget is voted down, there will be no sports at all next year, among other extremely serious cuts. They are also saying that the ‘yes’ budget contains uncertainty and that they will reduce the spending amount if they don’t get certain revenue sources.  Uncertainty about the actual result of the ‘yes’ vote, along with a feeling of being abused and manipulated, and a looming collision with state regulators has many of those who have always supported school budgets thinking they may stay home or even vote ‘no’. However, the threat of losing essential programs such as AP classes and sports may bring out many new ‘yes’ voters.

4) East Ramapo on WNYC Again!

On The Brian Lehrer Show, John King, New York State education commissioner and president of the University of the State of New York, talks about the state’s response to the East Ramapo school funding dispute.

Listen to the show

5) New Video

A new documentary video by local videographer Lisa Karrer is featured on the homepage: www.poweroften.us

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. Election Reports
2. Message From Our candidates
3. Save East Ramapo Bill Now More Important Than Ever
4. East Ramapo Featured on NPR Again
5. Former E Ramapo Music Teacher Up for a Grammy

1) Election Reports:

East Ramapo school budget defeated, Orthodox-backed candidates win

East Ramapo school officials approve more cuts in wake of failed budget

UPDATE: Ramapo Revisited, School Board Election and the Future of a Community

Hatton Not Happy With E. Ramapo Vote

2) Message from Our Candidates:

The candidates Margaret Tuck, Eustache Clerveaux and Robert Forrest would like to thank each and every Grand Mother, Grand Father, Mother, Father, Brother, Sister, Aunt and Uncle who came out to support us given the challenges before us. Although we lost, we must keep moving forward. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: “If WE can’t fly, we must run. If WE can’t run, we must walk. If WE can’t walk, we must crawl but whatever we do WE MUST KEEP MOVING FORWARD!

NEXT STEPS:

• Mobilize for passage of S4183-State Intervention
• Support the Class Action Lawsuit
• Hold Accountable Corado, Germain and Charles for Implementing Full day Kindergarten, etc.
• Hold accountable the district and BOE for its special education placements
• Begin preparing for 2014 BOE Election and Budget

3) Save East Ramapo Bill Now More Important Than Ever

This bill gives the NYS Commissioner of Education more power to intervene in East Ramapo

The petition is open to all people, regardless of your age, residency status, or where you live, so please invite all your friends far and near

http://poweroften.us/sign-the-petition/

Join the Petition Event on Facebook:

4) East Ramapo featured on NPR Again!

Journal News Reporter Mareesa Nicosia was the featured guest on the Brian Lehrer show today. http://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/2013/may/23/ramapo-school-board-vote/

5) Former E Ramapo Music Teacher Up for a Grammy

Former music teacher and director of the World Famous East Ramapo Marching Band Michael E. Smith has made the quarterfinals for the first ever Grammy award for a music educator! He was chosen as one of 217 finalists out of over 30,000 nominations. After being let go by East Ramapo, Mr. Smith took the Nyack Marching Band to their first ever state competition … and WON!  Wherever Mr. Smith is teaching, he will forever belong to East Ramapo, his alma mater.  We are all sending POSITIVE POWER OF TEN ENERGY for his continued success!!!

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. Court Appearance Report
2. Online Petition WOW!!!
3. Upcoming Events
4. New Media Coverage

1) Court Appearance Report

Newsday: East Ramapo lawsuit: Parents can demand documents on special ed. cases

Journal News: Judge allows class-action suit against East Ramapo to proceed

Learn more about the civil rights lawsuit

2) Save East Ramapo Petition has 3,174 signatures!!!

Thank you to all who have signed the petition for the “Save East Ramapo” bill. This bill gives the NYS Commissioner of Education more power to intervene in East Ramapo

This petition is open to all people, regardless of your age, residency status, or where you live, so please invite all your friends far and near

http://poweroften.us/sign-the-petition/

Join the Petition Event on Facebook:

3) Upcoming Events:

School Board Budget Hearing

Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30 PM (Today!)

105 S Madison Ave Spring Valley

NAACP Candidates Forum

Thursday May 9, at 6:30 pm

Louis Kurtz Center, Main/Madison Avenue in Spring Valley.

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/149441745236212/

4) New Media Coverage:

An important new article from The Juvenile Justice Information Exchange:

Public Kid vs. Private Kid Divide in One New York Community Turns Dangerous

Listen and call in on Friday:

East Ramapo Underground Radio Show

Friday, May 10th on WRCR-1300AM right after the ten o’clock news.

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. Rally on Tuesday
2. Fundraiser March 30th
3. State Continues Probe of East Ramapo Finances
4. Report from the Feb 28 board meeting

1) Rally on Tuesday

There will be a rally before the school board meeting on Tuesday to protest the change in the graduation date and location. HS Seniors are calling the rally: “Come show your support and help us fix our graduation! If we don’t fight back we’ll never win! Wear your SENIOR shirts or BLACK and be ready to protest. UNDERCLASSMEN & PARENTS ARE INVITED TO JOIN IN.”

Tuesday, March 5 at 6:00 PM at ERCSD District offices, 105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley (The board meeting is scheduled for 6:30)

2) March 30th Fundraiser for Advocates for Justice:

Join the “Save Our Schools Coalition” for a fundraising event celebrating our fantastic students, and helping Advocates for Justice fight for civil rights and equality for East Ramapo. It will be a fun afternoon of auctioneering, guest speakers, food/beverages and musical entertainment. Suggested Donation is $50.00. Donations to Advocates for Justice are tax deductible.

Please RSVP: http://poweroften.us/events/4/save-our-schools-coalition-fundraiser/

3) State Continues Probe of East Ramapo Finances:

On February 14, NY State responded to Supt. Klein’s accounting of finances saying they were “technically incomplete in several areas including the budget status report, policies and procedures to oversee the budget, budget transfers,and accumulated deficits for prior years.”

News Coverage of the exchange:

Newsday: State school officials to East Ramapo: Show us your books

Journal News: East Ramapo: State seeks rare meeting over finances

4) Report from the Feb 28 board meeting:

By Carole Anderson-

Last night’s meeting was quite interesting. The board interviewed five of the candidates seeking Price’s and Young-Mercer’s seats on the board. There were three Orthodox males, one Hasidic male, and one non Jewish male. Each board member was given an opportunity to ask the candidates a question. Only Schwartz and Rothman asked questions. This was the first time that candidates were interviewed in public.

Steven Price received a letter from the Attorney General Schneiderman requesting his appearance before a committee. Price requested to be represented by an attorney paid for by the board. Schwartz tried to find ways to not pay for Price’s attorney, but the board’s attorney told Schwartz that Price did everything correctly. The next board meeting will be on March 5th where they will interview the remaining candidates.

Journal News: East Ramapo Reveals Candidates State asks East Ramapo’s Price for testimony

Justice is coming to East Ramapo … and WE can make it happen!

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. Save the Date: Fundraiser March 30th
2. Local Yeshivas subject of Jewish week investigative report
3. Letter to the Journal News: East Ramapo fails public school students
4. Message from the editor

1) March 30th East Ramapo Fundraiser for Advocates for Justice:

Dear Community Supporter,

Are you ready to stand up against the injustices that harm our children and taxpayers each day?

Join us for a fundraising event celebrating our fantastic students, and helping Advocates for Justice fight for civil rights and equality for East Ramapo.

It will be a fun afternoon of auctioneering, guest speakers, food/beverages and musical entertainment, at the home of Rabia Nagin in Pomona.

We are looking to build momentum as the Save Our Schools Coalition to rally the parents, supporters and children that make up this wonderful community!

Sincerely, The Save Our Schools – East Ramapo Coalition

Save our Schools Fundraiser

March 30, 2013

2:00 – 5:00 PM

23 Dogwood Lane Pomona NY 10970

RSVP: http://poweroften.us/events/4/save-our-schools-coalition-fundraiser/

2) Local Yeshivas subject of Jewish Week investigative report:

The Jewish Week, an independent community newspaper, is recognized widely as the largest and most respected Jewish newspaper in America.

Reporters Julie Wiener and Hella Winston document millions of dollars of federal assistance for technology and internet services to schools, including local yeshivas, which expressly forbid students from using the internet.

Here is the three part newspaper investigative series:

Part I: Haredi Schools Reap Millions In Federal Tech Funds

Part II: How Do Haredi Schools Get All That E-rate Money?

Part III: E-rate Program Dogged By Concerns About Oversight

Reporter Julie Wiener was interviewed on WRCR about her investigative reporting. Listen to the interview.

3) In Reply: East Ramapo fails public school students

Jody Fox asks “What has the board done to enhance or at least maintain the educational process for the public school student?” in his excellent letter to the editor of the Journal News

4) Message from the editor

We are getting ready to go into another budget season.

Once again there are a series of very severe cuts being considered.

But this year is different from previous years in several ways:

• Instead of drawing from reserves, the district will be paying off two years of deficit spending.
• Plans are being discussed which would knowingly violate state regulations to achieve budget goals.
• For the first time, the administration admits that spending on students who attend non-public schools is driving cuts to students who attend public schools.
• The Board is already on notice from the Commissioner of Education regarding their actions, including the illegal, unreported deficits over the past two years, the debt to BOCES, and illegal special education placements.

Even if the board enacts all the cuts they have considered, it is doubtful they will be able to get out of the hole they have dug over the last 5 years. The impact on students could be catastrophic, decreasing already low graduation rate and handicapping college opportunities.

Will Governor Cuomo, Commissioner King, and the NY State Assembly and Senate leadership be able to sit idly by while thousands of students are deprived of their right to an education?

Their action, or inaction, regarding East Ramapo will certainly be a prominent part of their record as time goes by.

Your action is also important in this struggle. Please join us on March 30th to support Advocates for Justice, which has filed a class action civil rights lawsuit on behalf of the public school students and taxpayers.

If you are unable to make it, please consider making a donation. Go to www.poweroften.us and click “I want to support the class action lawsuit”. – Steven White, editor

Justice is coming to East Ramapo … and WE can make it happen!

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. Governor Cuomo comments on East Ramapo
2. Rockland County Legislature to Honor East Ramapo Board Members
3. Dept of Education warns district again on violations
4. Message from the editor

1) Gov. Cuomo: NYSED will do the right thing:

Governor Cuomo was in a part of the East Ramapo School District on Tuesday, giving a speech recapping his State of the State address.

A number of East Ramapo parents, denied attendance at the event, stood outside with a banner reading “Save Our Schools”.

Reporters managed to get in a few questions, including one about East Ramapo.

His response – “They are under the state Education Department, which has great management and they’re looking at it and I’m sure they will do the right and proper thing,” puts the burden of correcting the situation squarely on the shoulders of State Education Commissioner King.

The Journal News: Cuomo overlooks East Ramapo activists

Newsday: Cuomo won’t step in to help East Ramapo

2) Rockland County Legislature to Honor East Ramapo Board Members:

Rockland County Legislator Joseph Meyers will honor two former members of the East Ramapo Central School District Board of Education, Stephen Price and Susan Young-Mercer, for their many years of service to the school district and the community in a ceremony that will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19^th in the Legislature’s chambers at 11 New Hempstead Rd., New City, NY. There will also be a musical performance by East Ramapo student musicians. Both the ceremony and the meeting are open to the public.

When: Tuesday, February 19 at 6:30 PM

Where: 11 New Hempstead Rd, New City

3) NY State gives East Ramapo yet another warning to clean up their act:

The NY State Dept of Education has found the district in violation of Federal and State law regarding special education placements multiple times over the past 3 years.

The district has not corrected the violations.

The Journal News: State firm on E. Ramapo special education violations

Newsday: State officials again blast East Ramapo special ed practices

4) Message from the editor:

According to an interview in the Journal News, a school official says the “private school community” has not “felt comfortable” with placing the students in public school. It should be noted that many district parents who use private schools are not included in the group that school officials routinely call the “private school community” and do feel perfectly comfortable with having their children attend integrated schools. A public school official, whose salary is paid completely by public school dollars, is certainly not the appropriate person to be a a spokesperson for the “private school community”. Every public servant should be aware that when some people say “uncomfortable” what they mean is they want to receive a privilege based on their race, religion or ethnicity. It is the public servant’s duty to be a spokesperson for the civil rights of all.

If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired of the destruction of our schools – do something! Contribute to Advocates for Justice, the public interest, non-profit law firm which has filed a class action, civil rights lawsuit on behalf of the parents, students, and taxpayers. Go to www.poweroften.us and click “I want to support the class action lawsuit”. – Steven White

Justice is coming to East Ramapo … and WE can make it happen!