Senator Bill Weber Demands Answers From Commissioner Rosa At Legislative Hearing

By Idy Perl

During a State Legislature hearing this week Senator Bill Weber pressed State Education Commissioner Rosa about the recent tax levy imposed in the East Ramapo School District. 

He focused on the recent financial discrepencies that have been found in the district, and mentioned the many meetings he participated in over the summer when it was believed that the district had a $20 million deficit. He then highlighted the unprecented tax hike that Commissioner Rosa ordered the school board members to pass despite voters not approving it.

That was further complicated when it was found that the district wasn't in a deficit at all, and actually had a $30 million surplus. 

“You knew at that point, or you probably were getting an indication at that point, that the district wasn’t in a $20 million deficit, as we were misled to believe throughout the year," Weber said regarding the vote to pass the tax hike. "Knowing what you know now, do you regret orering that directive, and where do the taxpayers, who are the second highest property taxpayers in the country, where do they go to get their refund?" He demanded from Rosa. 

The commissioner deflected the questions and said she doesn't regret the tax hike, before claiming that there was misinformation regarding the financial situation of the district.

She was then cut short as her time to speak was up, leaving taxpayers of the district with their questions still unanswered.