Ramapo, NY — Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt visited Rockland County on Monday, September 30, to join New York State Senator Weber in a series of visits to key educational institutions. The tour aimed to emphasize the ongoing collaboration between the two lawmakers in their efforts to enhance educational opportunities and preserve the cultural heritage within the region.
The first stop was Rockland Community College (RCC), where Ortt and Weber met with Dr. Beth Coyle, the college’s Officer in Charge, and Martin Wortendyke, Former Chair of the RCC Board of Trustees. Their discussions focused on supporting community college programs and fostering future educational growth within the county.
The visit comes amidst a challenging two years for SUNY Rockland, as a budgetary shortfall of at least $5 million dollars was widely reported over the past year. Deep cuts and numerous firings have ensued throughout the summer of 2024, notably the firing of the President of the college, Dr. Lester Rapalo – who had replaced former President Dr. Michael Baston after questions of inflated salaries and lofty contracts began to emerge in the budgetary numbers.
Recently, the College embarked on a campaign to rehabilitate their image, including attracting donations from Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation for CDL licensing programs, as well as a new Histotechnician program with SUNY Cobleskill.
Following the RCC visit, the group toured the Holocaust Museum & Center for Tolerance and Education. Accompanied by the museum’s Executive Director, Andrea Winograd, and Yossi Rubinstein of the Yizkor Foundation, the discussions centered on Holocaust education and the importance of continued support for initiatives that promote historical awareness and tolerance.
The next stop took the lawmakers to the Yeshiva of Spring Valley in Monsey, where they were greeted by Sruly Orzel, Chair of the Yeshiva. Orzel addressed students and staff during the visit, where the conversation highlighted the significance of school choice and the autonomy of private educational institutions.
The tour concluded at Bobov Yeshiva on Viola Road, where Senator Weber’s recent success in securing transportation services for Yeshiva students was noted.
Both Ortt and Weber stressed the need for ongoing efforts to ensure that all students in the community have access to necessary resources, emphasizing their shared commitment to supporting educational initiatives across a broad spectrum of institutions.