East Ramapo Public Schools Require $240 Million in Repairs

Rockland Daily Staff 

All 13 of the East Ramapo Central School district's public school buildings received a failing grade in a recent state-mandated Building Conditions Survey, with a lack of clean drinking water cited as a major issue.

The assessment includes an estimate that it will cost over $230 million to restore the buildings to a point where they receive passing grades.

"I was appalled to learn of the failing building conditions at all 13 public schools in the East Ramapo Central School District," says Congressman Lawler. "It is simply beyond comprehension that the New York State Education Department, state-appointed monitors, and Albany legislature have let this situation go by without immediate action."

Officials with the New York State Education Department say the district is spending over $90 million of federal COVID money on facility improvements, but that isn’t quite the sum needed, according to the survey.

"We need action, and we need it now," Congressman Lawler says. "The public school students in East Ramapo deserve nothing less than a full-court press to ensure that their health and safety is not impacted by simply going to school. Today, I call on Governor Hochul to act immediately by either redirecting funds already at her discretion or by calling a special session and introducing legislation to provide the funds required to assist the district. It is her duty as Governor of New York to provide safe and healthy educational environments for students, and I urge her to immediately address these deplorable conditions at one of the largest school districts in the state." 

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