Redistricting Of East Ramapo School District Proposed

Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski (D-Rockland) unveiled Wednesday his proposal to redistrict the current East Ramapo School District.  Under his plan, a new public school district would be created "that better represents public school enrollment." The proposal is a move toward a long term solution to the problems facing the East Ramapo district in the past few years.  

“East Ramapo is a school district in crisis," said Zebrowski in a released statement.  "This type of instability is not healthy for the community and is certainly not healthy for the education of the students.”

Under  his proposal, an independent, external organization that specializes in education policy would study the potential for creating two separate districts. The proposed new public school district would consist mostly of public school students. It also would include an inter-district school choice program to allow students, regardless of their residence, the opportunity to attend public school.

According to Zebrowski, the reorganization proposal would provide the public school community the ability to govern and oversee their children’s education.

“At some point we have to face the reality that the old paradigm is not working for the problems facing the East Ramapo School District," he stated. "The conflict between the current board and parents has reached an unprecedented level while the children suffer.  I have yet to hear any plan that would provide a long term solution or workable model for the district in the future.  I believe its time that we examine all options; even those that may have seemed previously unrealistic.”

The assemblyman  wants to obtain funding in this year’s state budget to study the idea and others that could provide a long term workable framework for the district.  The study will examine the impact of reorganization on the tax levy, state aid enrollment and educational program for all students. Following the study, the recommendations will be presented to the public to solicit input and comment.