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3-24-13 East Ramapo Makes National Headlines

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Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

  1. Our Issue Gets National Attention
  2. WBLS FM to Broadcast East Ramapo Forum
  3. Civil Rights Court Date Rescheduled
  4. Fundraiser Rescheduled

1) Our Issue Gets National Attention:

The national media has taken notice of our unique situation in East Ramapo. Jim Fitzgerald, a reporter for the Associated Press, came to the March 19th board meeting.

His article is entitled “Barbs of racism, anti-Semitism in NY school clash.”

To see just how many places this article appears, Google the title. You will be amazed!

The report focuses on the divisiveness caused by lack of representation in governance of the schools. While New York’s system of local control works well most of the time, when there is a division in the population it can be dysfunctional. State Law needs to be amended to restrict local control when it is functioning poorly, and provide assistance where needed.

Read the article in The Wall Street Journal here: http://online.wsj.com/article/APa60314778f984cf7ba0ccce04d58e642.html

2) Community Forum in April to be broadcast on WBLS – FM

This is YOUR opportunity to get together with others who cares about CHILDREN GETTING AN EDUCATION!!!

Whether you live in East Ramapo or not, THIS AFFECTS YOU!!!

So come and join us in a community forum; with a presentation of the latest information and an opportunity for everyone to participate!

Sign up on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/493278877386547/

The details:

Saturday, April 13 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at Gracepoint Gospel Fellowship, 384 New Hempstead Rd, New City, NY

This Forum will be broadcast on WBLS FM Radio

3) Federal Civil Rights Court Date Rescheduled:

OUR DAY IN COURT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO:

April 18 at 10:00 AM

Federal Courthouse Room 421 – Judge George Yanthis

300 Quarropas Street White Plains, NY

4) Fundraiser for Advocates for Justice is Rescheduled:

The “Save Our Schools Coalition” fundraising event has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 21 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

For more info and to RSVP: http://new.evite.com/l/BEY76Q5OQP

 

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

 

3-15-2013

Posted on

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

  1. Commissioner King replies to our petition
  2. Newsday Editorial on profanity-spewing lawyer
  3. You can file a complaint too!
  4. Civil Rights Case in Court Tuesday
  5. Fundraiser March 30th

1) Commissioner King writes an answer to our petition:

Hon. Dr. John B. King, Jr., NY State Commissioner of Education, has replied to our petition asking that the state intervene in the East Ramapo School District! The Commissioner writes “I share your concerns regarding the district’s financial conditions and its effects on educational programming” and that he is “prepared to take escalating action, as authorized by law.”

The Commissioner also stated he believes “part of the solution is to enact the Board of Regents’ legislative proposal (attached) to authorize the Department to intervene in chronically underperforming school districts.”

This legislation would give the commissioner much more authority to intervene in East Ramapo.

It was sponsored by all state legislators representing East Ramapo when first introduced last year, as well as the chairs of both Education Committees. Read the summary here.

To ALL those who signed and wrote heartfelt comments in the petition, THANK YOU!

The list of signers and comments is available here: http://poweroften.us/fact-sheet/highlights/petition-for-monitor/petition-signers/

Pictures of parents and students delivering the petition are available: http://poweroften.us/fact-sheet/highlights/petition-for-monitor/

News coverage of the commissioner’s answers available here: http://www.lohud.com/article/20130314/NEWS03/303140043/East-Ramapo-activist-Ed-commish-heard-us-

2) Newsday Editorial on profanity-spewing lawyer:

The attorney for the East Ramapo School District verbally attacked a student of the district using language which would be bleeped out on cable TV. The incident happened on school grounds on March 5, just after the school board walked out of the meeting to avoid a 15 minute “students corner” segment. This was not just the attorney using rough language, this was verbal abuse in the form of “You are a piece of (expletive deleted)!”

Several people witnessed the attack, including a reporter for New York Newsday.

Newsday: Profanity-spewing East Ramapo lawyer needs to learn a lesson

3) You can file a complaint too!

The mother of the student has filed a complaint against the lawyer

As a taxpayer in East Ramapo, You are Mr. D’Agostino’s client. You have the right to complain about his behavior.

Power of Ten has created a form letter that you can print, sign and send to submit your complaint.

Complaints about the attorney’s behavior can also be sent by email to: East Ramapo School Board BoardofEducation@ercsd.k12.ny.us and Superintendent Klein at JOKlein@ercsd.k12.ny.us

4) Federal Civil Rights Case First Court Date

PLEASE COME TO OUR FIRST DAY IN COURT

Tuesday, March 19 at 9:30 AM

Federal Courthouse Room 421 – Judge George Yanthis

300 Quarropas Street White Plains, NY

5) 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. March 30 from 2 – 5 PM. Suggested Donation is $50.00. Donations to Advocates for Justice are tax deductible.

Please RSVP: http://new.evite.com/l/BEY76Q5OQP

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

 

3-10-13

Posted on

Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

  1. School Attorney Curses at Student
  2. Fundraiser March 30th
  3. Calling all Candidates
  4. Report of the Rally on March 5

1) School Attorney Curses at Student:

The attorney for the East Ramapo School District verbally attacked a student of the district using language which would be bleeped out on cable TV. The incident happened on school grounds on March 5, just after the school board walked out of the meeting to avoid a 15 minute “students corner” segment. This was not just the attorney using rough language, this was verbal abuse in the form of “You are a piece of (expletive deleted)!”

Several people witnessed the attack, including a reporter for New York Newsday.

Her report can be found here: East Ramapo schools attorney curses at student after board meeting

Video of the school board walking out rather than allowing 15 minutes of student comments: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBC_m-SSLnc

Complaints about the attorney’s behavior can be sent to: East Ramapo School Board c/o Cathy Russell CRUSSELL@ercsd.k12.ny.us and Superintendent Klein at JOKlein@ercsd.k12.ny.us

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. March 30 from 2 – 5 PM. Suggested Donation is $50.00. Donations to Advocates for Justice are tax deductible.

Please RSVP: http://new.evite.com/l/BEY76Q5OQP

3) Calling All Candidates:

The Board of Education election is fast approaching. There is a lot at stake for the public school students. As many of you know, there is a huge budget deficit that threatens the very foundation of education for every East Ramapo student. We need 3 candidates who are thoroughly familiar with all issues facing the district. The East Ramapo Stakeholders for Public Education has experience in assisting candidates in forming a unified campaign and platform based on community concerns; as well as providing voter information, coordinating volunteers, and fundraising for school board candidates.

If you or someone you know is considering running for school board, please have a look at the candidate questionnaire at: http://poweroften.us/about/candidate-questionnaire/

Please send your answers to: steve@poweroften.us by Friday, March 15. There will be a meeting of all those interested ASAP after Friday.

4) Report of Rally

Over 120 Students and Parents rallied outside the district offices on Tuesday, March 5, in response to announcements at school that graduation would be changed.

Here are photos:

https://picasaweb.google.com/109077540544836974769/EastRamapoNYStudentsOccupySchoolBoardMeeting3052013

And video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLvK1oMqtfc

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

 

 

3-02-13

Posted on

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!