[poweroften] D’Agostino to go; Yeshiva loses Hillcrest lease

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Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. D'Agostino to go, but not soon enough!!!!
2. Commissioner King Annuls Lease to Yeshiva Avir Yakov

 

1) D'Agostino to go, but not soon enough!!!

At the July 8 East Ramapo School Board meeting, called specially to deal with lawyer Chris Kirby's notorious outbursts, the school board adjourned with a statement read by the board president, but took no action!!!

A rally was held prior to the meeting and during the executive session.

YouTube Videos of the Rally

The school board could have immediately terminated the contract with the law firm, as was done for previous counsel, but they did not.

They could have apologized to those who have been the victims of obscenities and bullying, but they did not.

Instead, they announced that D'Agostino had told them that he "may not have sufficient resources to service all of the legal needs of our district".

The board president said that the "process" to "transition to other legal representation" would "begin immediately".

The school board president never acknowledged that the actions of lawyers Kirby and D'Agostino were in violation of district policy.  NO ACTION was taken to enforce these policies.  It remains unclear what the board means when they say "immediately".

News Coverage:

ABC News: School board to hire new lawyer after hostile exchange

NBC News: School Board Fires Lawyer After Expletive-Laced Tirade Caught on Video

The Journal News: East Ramapo to split with firm after lawyer's profane outburst

The Journal News: East Ramapo to keep paying law firm until new one hired

The Journal News: Editorial: East Ramapo's split with law firm won't end woes

The Rockland County Times: D'Agostino Law Firm will be replaced

2) Commissioner King Annuls Lease to Yeshiva Avir Yakov:

New York State Education Commissioner King has upheld a petition filed by Robert Forrest in September of 2011 against the East Ramapo school district. Commissioner King annulled the lease of Hillcrest Elementary School to Congregation Yeshiva Avir Yakov of New Square.

It has been estimated that the lease was losing a half million dollars per year compared to what a competitive lease could have brought for East Ramapo students and taxpayers.

The Journal News: State education chief blocks East Ramapo school lease to yeshiva

The Rockland County Times: No Hillcrest Yeshiva

 

[poweroften] Reminder: RESPECT Rally Tomorrow, Monday July 8

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Power of Ten Update

Reminder: Respect Rally Monday July 8

The Save Our Schools Coalition announces 'Rally for Respect', a Peaceful Protest in East Ramapo to demand immediate termination of the law firm D'Agostino and Minerva, and to request state intervention.

THE DETAILS:

 

Rally for RESPECT

Monday, July 8 at 6:45 PM

105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley, NY

 

The law firm of D'Agostino and Minerva was retained by the East Ramapo school board in 2008. Since then there have been numerous outbursts and unprofessional conduct on behalf of the lawyers, specifically Christopher Kirby and Albert D'Agostino. This latest incident took place July 2nd and was caught on film, the video can be seen here: http://youtu.be/qsOcR2mYKq0

The public is outraged by the actions of Chris Kirby and demand the law firm be terminated for their repeated disrespect toward the public school community. Local media and elected officials agree:

• "These actions were reprehensible and uncalled for in their entirety and demonstrate a lack of professional conduct that should never be tolerated." - Senator David Carlucci
• "The ERCSD Board should terminate the contract with Minerva and D'Agostino now. They set a poor example for all of the students, public and private, in the East Ramapo School District." - Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee
• The Journal News: East Ramapo must fire outside counsel - now

We will also be expressing our desire for state intervention in our school district. Our school board can no longer provide what is fair for the public school students and it is up to governor Cuomo to intervene.

• "State intervention is the only answer that I can see at this point. Only time will tell what the solution will be, but it looks pretty dire if it continues this way for East Ramapo and the community." - Antonio Luciano, parent and videographer

Let's make this a truly massive and meaningful rally! The theme is 'RESPECT'.  Those with a creative impulse are invited to make signs that convey that message. The word 'RESPECT' should be featured. Please make every effort to attend, and bring as many people as you can!!!!

You can also join the event on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/330386417093071/

Send an email to Governor Cuomo, Assemblyman Zebrowski, and The NY State Bar Association, asking them to join the Journal News, Senator Carlucci, and Assemblywoman Jaffee in condemning the behavior of East Ramapo Lawyers: http://poweroften.us/about/fire-dagostino/

Justice is Coming to East Ramapo, and WE can make it happen!

 

 

[poweroften] Lawyer for East Ramapo Explodes with Obscenity and Hostility; Rally for Respect Monday

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Power of Ten Update

In this Issue:

1. Lawyer for East Ramapo Explodes with Obscenity and Hostility!!!
2. Rally for Respect Monday

1) Lawyer for East Ramapo Explodes with Obscenity and Hostility!!!

At the July 2 East Ramapo School Board meeting lawyer Chris Kirby interrupted a parent during the public speaking portion at the end of the meeting: http://youtu.be/x1P-BWF5X4s. 

He then threatened to fight another parent (caution: this portion contains unedited profanity): http://youtu.be/qsOcR2mYKq0

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/video-school-board-lawyer-flips-parents-article-1.1389526#ixzz2Y720Oefo

This is now the sixth time that a lawyer from the firm of Minerva and D'Agostino has cursed at or threatened a parent or student.

News Coverage:

ABC News: Obscenities fly after school board meeting

The Journal News: East Ramapo must fire outside counsel - now

NY Daily News: East Ramapo district school board lawyer Christopher Kirby launches into profanity-laced tirade at parents

UK Daily Mail: Shocking video shows school's attorney screaming obscenities in parking lot at mother who thought he had laughed at her special needs son at board meeting

2) Rally for Respect:

The whole of Rockland and beyond is reacting with shock at the continued abusive behavior of the East Ramapo School Board and their attorney. The Save Our Schools Coalition is calling for a non-violent protest immediately preceding the next school board meeting on Monday, July 8. Let's make this a truly massive and meaningful rally! The theme is 'RESPECT'.  Those with a creative impulse are invited to make signs that convey that message. The word 'RESPECT' should be featured. You can also join the event on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/330386417093071/

THE DETAILS:

Rally for RESPECT

Monday, July 8 at 6:45 PM

105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley, NY

Please make every effort to attend, and bring as many people as you can!!!!

 

Power of Ten Update

Power of Ten Real Facts: Payments from the East Ramapo School District to the "private school community" are much greater than taxes collected from the "private school community".  Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. In This Issue: Finkelstein Library Budget Vote East Ramapo sells Colton for 6.6 Million East Ramapo Inquiry into 2011 Election What Happened to Mr. Santana? Finkelstein Library Budget Vote Monday, June 6, 2011, 7 AM – 9 PM, 3rd Floor Fielding Room, at 24 Chestnut Street and Route 59 in Spring Valley. For additional information, call the Library Clerk at 352-5700, ext. 256 or visit http://finkelsteinlibrary.org East Ramapo sells Colton for 6.6 Million Board President Wieder leads the sale of Colton with 3 years remaining on the lease. The private schools currently renting the building have not paid rent since January 2011. They owe $2,787,555 on the lease. The sale of the school would only net the District $3.8 million. Is this a steal or what? Acting Superintendent Klein want to use the funds as a one time source of income. Video here: http://youtu.be/HmX2mj6BSW8 East Ramapo Inquiry into 2011 Election Is this D'Agostino's retaliation for Wieder being arrested? Is this a friend of D'Agostino's that is being hired? Board President Wieder was arrested for voter intimidation and is going to head this inquiry, is this a conflict of interest? Video here: http://youtu.be/J6ML5D_w3cQ   What Happened to Mr. Santana? You may have heard or read about an allegation against Assistant Superintendent Pedro Santana. Several sources, including a newspaper article, have been vague as to the details, leading to misinformation. The truth of the situation is that his child suffers with mental illness, which caused a police call. This has nothing to do with his work in the school district. You can imagine the difficult situation he is in, because protecting his child is more important to him than dealing with the gossip. Mr. Santana has become a real asset to our schools and is beloved by the students. As responsible stakeholders, our duty is to support those who benefit the children. Our words should support healing for Mr. Santana's family, and dispel the gossip. You can send him a message of support at psantana@ercsd.k12.ny.us  follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2011 East Ramapo Stakeholders, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up for our mailing list at http://poweroften.us/ Our mailing address is: East Ramapo Stakeholders 10 Garden Pl. Spring Valley, New York 10977 Add us to your address book  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences | view email in browser

Election Summary

Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Thank you to all the many volunteers and to everyone who cast a vote! You stood out in the rain for two hours, three hours, four hours, six hours............ You smiled, you darted around, you thanked people for voting, you encouraged............. You rearranged your own schedules, putting off dinner or bringing along the kids for a hands on civic lesson.......... I only wish that you had had the satisfaction of a WIN after all of your hard work! Please know that the candidates and everyone connected with the campaign truly appreciates the effort you made. Thank you SO MUCH!!! Once we debrief and get over this horrendous loss, we will keep you posted about the next steps. There will be next steps! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! In This Issue: Congratulations to Stakeholders Candidates East Ramapo Voter Turnout Facts More Scandals, More Media Attention YOUR HELP STILL NEEDED: Congratulations to Stakeholders Candidates One of our four candidates, Joanne Thompson, was unopposed, and got 13,664 votes (unofficial total) which is the highest total ever for any school board candidate in Rockland County.  She continues to serve on the school board with Stakeholders supported Suzanne Young Mercer and Stephen Price (who received similar vote totals last year).  Our other three candidates received about 7,800 votes each, higher than any other opposed candidate for school board in Rockland, ever (excluding Ramapo block vote candidates). While we are all disappointed that we did not win all four seats, we should recognize that our presence and advocacy at board meetings and at the ballot box are essential pressures to keep the focus on education. Your activism and participation has set a good example for the next generation.   Back To Top East Ramapo Voter Turnout Facts About 16% of total registered voters voted for our three opposed candidates. That is about 20% of the voters not affiliated with the block. As the chart below shows, candidates in other school districts win with as little as 7% of registered voters.    Back To Top More Scandals, More Media Attention An article in the Journal News and video from News 12 about alleged voter intimidation by school board vice-president Wieder. NBC News coverage of the East Ramapo School Board Election   Local Channel 12 News coverage of Ramapo High School Demonstration to stop the firing of Assistant Superintendent Pedro Santana   Letter to the Editor from Peggy Hatton in Journal News   Back To Top YOUR HELP STILL NEEDED: HOW YOU CAN HELP: If you or anyone else that to went to the poles to Vote in the East Ramapo School Board Elections saw any of the following conditions please let us know:   1) Aron Wieder or anyone else taking pictures, using a cell phone, or preventing anyone from voting at any polling location.   2) You were intimidated at your voting location.   3) You went to vote and didn't end up voting because the lines were too long.   4) You went to vote and were told that your signature doesn't match, and you were not given an option to vote by affidavit.   5) You were told you have to produce identification in order to vote.   6) You were told you were at the wrong voting location and did not vote. Back To Top  follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2011 East Ramapo Stakeholders, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up for our mailing list at http://poweroften.us/ Our mailing address is: East Ramapo Stakeholders 10 Garden Pl. Spring Valley, New York 10977 Add us to your address book  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences | view email in browser

Final Update: Vote Today!!!

Power of Ten Real Facts: 2 out of 3 Stakeholders Candidates won in 2010. The third lost by only 300 votes.   Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. This is it.  The day has arrived.  We can do this together.  What is at stake in this election is no less that the future of an entire generation of East Ramapo students. Phone Bank Election Day Help get out the last minute voters!!!! Come to our phone bank from 5-9 PM Location: 103 Airport Executive Drive (off New Clarkstown Rd, by COSTCO) Spread the Word! Please remind ALL of your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to go and vote. Polling Place info is available online at www.poweroften.us or by calling the district clerk at 845-577-6015. Students Rally at Ramapo Students at Ramapo High School held a spontaneous demonstration to protest the district's lack of committment to Assistant Superintendent Pedro Santana's continued presence in our district.  As far as the students are concerned, not keeping Mr. Santana is not an acceptable option.  Students also asked that the public pass the budget in today's vote. The protest was covered by News 12, video is available at www.news12.com More Attention from the Major Media: Read the article in the Wall Street Journal  follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2011 East Ramapo Stakeholders, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up for our mailing list at http://poweroften.us/ Our mailing address is: East Ramapo Stakeholders 10 Garden Pl. Spring Valley, New York 10977 Add us to your address book  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences | view email in browser

Final Weekend Update

Power of Ten Real Facts: 2 out of 3 Stakeholders Candidates won in 2010. The third lost by only 300 votes.   Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Final Weekend Issue: Voter Outreach Days Online Phone Bank Election Day Volunteers Needed Rally in Spring Valley Sunday Voter Outreach Days We will be knocking on doors to get out the word about the Election Day – May 17th. Wear comfortable shoes as we will be walking once we get to the neighborhoods. Friday, May 13 at 5:30 PM We will meet in the parking lot in front of the Gilman Clinic nest to Food Mart International in Spring Valley Saturday, May 14 at 10:30 PM We will meet in the parking lot at the Mt. Ivy Cafe on Thiells Mt Ivy Rd (off Rte 202 in Mt Ivy) Sunday, May 15 at 10:30 AM We will meet in the parking lot at the Mt. Ivy Cafe on Thiells Mt Ivy Rd (off Rte 202 in Mt Ivy)   Online Phone Bank We are trying to reach 14,000 registered voters which means LOTS of callers! You can sign up to make calls on the Power of Ten East Ramapo website. You first register on the site and then you can start making calls. There is a video tutorial showing how easy it is to get started. Election Day Volunteers Needed We need help with handing out palm cards at the polls on election day!! We are looking for people to do 2-3 hour shifts at the Hempstead, Summit Park, RCCAnnex and Hillcrest polls. Please let me know if you can help help with that effort. Just email me with your preferred time and place. Hempstead needs the most volunteers because there are two entrances on two different levels. We need everyone's help!! Thank you so much!!!! Rally in Spring Valley Sunday HUMAN RIGHTS and DIGNITY for ALL For Children, For Workers, For Immigrants, For the Community Sunday May 15, 2011 3 pm – 6 pm Memorial Park, Village of Spring Valley 21 Memorial Park Drive Featuring Music: Cool Marasa Truth 2 Power  follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2011 East Ramapo Stakeholders, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up for our mailing list at http://poweroften.us/ Our mailing address is: East Ramapo Stakeholders 10 Garden Pl. Spring Valley, New York 10977 Add us to your address book  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences | view email in browser