SUFFERN, NY – The East Ramapo Central School District (ERCSD) in Rockland County is at the center of controversy following the revelation of a $30 million budget surplus. The unexpected financial turnaround was disclosed by external auditors at a school board meeting, countering previous claims of a $20 million deficit and sparking demands for accountability.
State Senator Bill Weber, representing the 38th District, expressed his outrage at a press conference, saying, “A $20 million deficit turned into a $30 million surplus—a $50 million swing. We demand to know what the State Education Department (SED), Commissioner Betty Rosa, and district monitors knew and when they knew it.”
Watch the Press Conference
A History of Financial Misrepresentation
Earlier this year, the SED had warned of dire financial circumstances, including an inability to meet payroll and operational expenses. In response, an additional 4.38% tax hike was imposed, above a voter-approved 1% increase, exacerbating financial strain on district residents.
Weber pointed out the severe impact this tax increase had on families, stating, “This tax increase has placed many residents in dire straits, leading to situations where families are struggling to keep their heat and water on.” The senator further criticized the SED for pushing for a state takeover of the district based on now-debunked financial claims.
Community Impact and Calls for Action
Community leaders emphasized the harmful consequences of the misrepresentation. Shrey Greenbaum, a local representative, remarked, “The atmosphere created by these false claims led to inadequate services for both public and non-public school students. Teachers are overworked, classrooms are overcrowded, and students—especially those with special needs—aren’t receiving necessary services.”
Natasha Dain, another community advocate, highlighted the long-term implications, saying, “Our children are our future. For years, they’ve suffered from a lack of teachers, equipment, and resources. Now, we demand immediate help to ensure every child benefits from the education system.”
A local teacher also shared her experience, noting, “I’m mentally and physically exhausted, teaching two classrooms at once. It’s unfair when we now know there’s money sitting unused.”
A Call for Accountability
Senator Weber and other community leaders are pressing for immediate remedial actions. Refunds for taxpayers, reallocation of funds to address educational deficiencies, and transparency from the SED are among the key demands. Weber affirmed, “We rely on accurate information to make decisions. This glaring failure demands serious scrutiny.”
Next Steps
Senator Weber plans to convene meetings with Commissioner Rosa and the SED to ensure accountability and prevent such incidents in the future. “We want accurate and updated information to address upcoming challenges,” he said. “Knowing that money was available all along while families and teachers struggled is unacceptable.”