Fiscal Monitor Calls For State Oversight Of East Ramapo Schools
RAMAPO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A state-appointed fiscal monitor of the East Ramapo Central School District in Rockland County wants the state to oversee the school board.
Hank Greenberg said Monday that the Rockland County district's finances "teeter on the edge of disaster."
In a report to the Board of Regents, he made recommendations to increase state aid. He called for a monitor to override the board and superintendent, saying it was more practical than removing board members.
The board is made up mostly of Orthodox men whose children attend private religious schools. Most of the students in the public schools are black or Latino.
Greenberg concluded the board boosted funding to private yeshiva students while slashing programs in public schools, WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported.
In a statement, board President Yehuda Weissmandl said he was pleased the montior found no ill motives.
"While we are uncomfortable with some of the characterizations in Mr. Greenberg's report, we are hopeful that it will lead to real progress for the children of the district," Weissmandl said.
Officials say state oversight would be the strongest intervention in a school district in more than a decade.
"I think a watchdog with veto power is extremely important," state Sen. David Carlucci, D-Nanuet, told Adams. "I think that is because the issues are so complex. You could be the best school board member in the world, but these problems are so complex, I think that you need that additional help."
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