Rockland County, NY – State Education Department : Violation Findings On East Ramapo School Stands

Rockland County, NY – Standing firmly behind its previous findings that the East Ramapo school district has violated state and federal laws in its placement of children with disabilities, the state Education Board says East Ramapo must now either comply or face the consequences.

The Journal News (http://lohud.us/VVemxx) is reporting that in a Feb. 6 letter, Assistant Commissioner, James DeLorenzo, made it clear that the state intends to take action against East Ramapo if it does not comply with previously issued requirements.

“A (local educational agency) must conduct itself in compliance with the letter and the purpose of the law. We find in these instances, that the district did not do so, and is now attempting to justify its actions under the law,” the letter reads.

In a Jan. 14 letter refuting that state’s claims, attorney for East Ramapo, David Butler, said that the state has ‘misapplied’ the law with regard to East Ramapo. He also said the district intends to challenge the state in court if its determination of East Ramapo’s noncompliance constitutes a ‘final agency action.’

In his latest response, DeLorenzo makes no mention of Butler’s letter.

According to DeLorenzo, the district must now:

● Submit paper applications for approval of state reimbursement for private school placements at specific schools.

● Immediately cease and desist a practice of allowing one district representative to unilaterally determine the placement of students with disabilities.

● Review the individual education plans of students who have been placed in a public or private out-of-district program for the primary purpose of providing them with Yiddish programs and submit a timeline and plan for developing equitable in-district programs.

● Post a notice to the community about the findings on its website for 60 days.

DeLorenzo also stated that if the district fails to comply, it is subject to further enforcement actions, including redirection and/or withholding of federal funds.

A commissioner’s order to the board and superintendent could also be issued. In a willful violation of a commissioner’s order, state education commissioner, John King Jr., would have the power to remove school board members from office.