Letter to the Editor: Regarding New BOE Appointment

To the Editor:

It’s about time we’ve had someone on the board of education who truly represents and cares about all students in this district. We couldn’t be prouder of Sabrina Charles-Pierre and are thrilled this board of educational finally has a member with moral fiber.

At the same time, just as was the case with Dr. Klein’s resignation, now is not the time to celebrate. This appointment was not made out of sincerity or goodwill – despite what the board’s six-figure-a-year PR firm (an incredulous expense for this cash-strapped district) would like you to think. Make no mistake: this was a forced, desperate decision designed to placate a community whose concerns - and anger - are growing exponentially.

The board still easily retains its supermajority, having lost nothing by “giving up” one seat in an attempt to show a “concession to the public.” The board could easily return to its “having a meeting before the meeting” strategy – as it did the last time public school representatives served on it.

It is shameful that Board President Yehuda Weissmandl calls this an “exciting time” for the district. It is a slap-in-the-face to the public that such a man still serves on this board. Before this district can truly move forward, the facilitators of its continual demise – namely, all eight of Sabrina’s board colleagues – must resign or be removed.

We anxiously await that day. May it be soon.

Eric Grossfeld

Get Up, Stand Up East Ramapo