Power of Ten Update
In This Issue:
1. Closing Arguments Tuesday
2. Outrageous Actions by School Board President Could Prove Expensive for District
3. Local Covid-19 Relief Efforts
1) Closing Arguments Tuesday
Closing arguments of the NAACP-East Ramapo Voting Rights Act case will take place Tuesday, March 24th at 2:00 PM.
The proceedings will take place by Zoom Meeting Information: https://zoom.us/j/4629276583
By phone: 877-853-5247 Meeting ID: 462 927 6583
2) Outrageous Actions by School Board President Could Prove Expensive for District
According to The Journal News, East Ramapo schools board rejected settlement offer that could saved millions, NYCLU says
What appears to have happened, from testimony and documents revealed in the trial, is that the judge ordered the two parties to attempt to reach a settlement before trial, and that school board President Grossman excluded the only two minority members of the board from meaningful participation in the settlement talks.
This is not the first time that a school board president and the special counsel have been accused of excluding other board members from important decisions. In 2013, two board members resigned largely over this practice, including board member Young-Mercer, who was the only person on color on the board at the time. In her letter explaining her reasons for resigning, she wrote: “In the past few weeks I have become aware important decisions that were made by the Superintendent without my knowledge. I feel that these decisions jeopardized the educational progression of East Ramapo students as well and the students of neighboring Rockland County School districts.” Board member Price wrote: “As far as I can determine, the letter from David Butler to the James DeLorenzo dated January 14, 2013 was never authorized by the Board of Education.” and “I feel that I have been wrongfully denied access to District information that I reasonably require to perform my duties.”
Read the letters of resignation here
3) Local Covid-19 Relief Efforts
Many of our neighbors are having a hard time keeping food on the table due to the closures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MLK Center operates one of the largest food pantries in the county; they are seeing increased need now. Learn how you can help the MLK Center here
Proyecto Faro is an organization with expertise engaging new immigrants, many of whom are especially vulnerable to economic downturns. Find out how to help Proyecto Faro here