East Ramapo Plans no Tax Hikes for Education Spending

East Ramapo will not need to raise taxes on property to cover public school funds, thanks to financial aid programs.

The East Ramapo school district’s budget plans were $272.45 million on a $245.7 million budget, but federal and state funds will close the gap, Lohud reported.

The state increased its funding by 19%, and the  the federal American Rescue Plan delivered $150,445,511 in aid.

The budget plan will include more social workers, something interim superintendent Raymond Giamartino pushed for, arguing the coronavirus pandemic has increased mental illness and home tensions.

Clarence Ellis, a 35-year veteran of New York City public schools, was appointed to be the district’s schools superintendent, and he will start in July. He previously served as superintendent for District 17 in New York City.

The district will hold its budget vote Tuesday, May 11, to avoid conflict with Shavuos. The school board is divided between members of the local Orthodox community and members of the community who send their children to public schools. Because the Orthodox community does not send their children to public schools, the board is voted  for by a system that gives local Latino and African-American residents a majority. Despite this system, Jewish private school parents are consistently elected to serve on the school board.

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smarcus@hamodia.com