SUFFERN – State Education Commissioner
MaryEllen Elia Thursday named Dennis Walcott as a monitor for the East
Ramapo School District. He is a former chancellor of New York City schools
who will oversee an expert team that will monitor district operations
and provide recommendations to ensure that students have access to appropriate
programs and services and that the district is on a path to fiscal and
programmatic stability.
“There is clear evidence that for many years the district has not
adequately served the needs of its public school students,” said
Elia.
“The hardship these students have endured is reprehensible,”
said Regent Judith Johnson. “Students in East Ramapo public schools
cannot afford to wait any longer for appropriate educational programs.”
She said appointing Walcott and his team “is a first step to repairing
a damaged relationship with the community.”
Yehuda Weissmandl, East Ramapo’s board president, said the board
is committed to cooperation with the state ed department.
Elia made her appointment at Rockland Community College in Suffern on
Thursday.
