East Ramapo School District taxes to rise 5.38% after state order

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The East Ramapo School District will see a 5.38% tax increase this coming school year after the school board voted to approve the hike last night. The increase was ordered by State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa, who deemed the board's initial 1% hike "arbitrary, capricious, and violative of education policy" for favoring nonpublic school students over public school students. The commissioner's order came after a parent-led legal challenge claimed the school budget failed to protect public school students' health, safety, and welfare. In a statement, Superintendent Anthony DiCarlo said: "The increase in the tax levy will improve the quality of educational opportunities for our East Ramapo students and sets a solid foundation for which to build our future. All children deserve access to high-quality teaching, supports, and resources." However, some parents argue that the state foundation aid formula needs to be changed, criticizing the tax increase. The additional 4.38% increase will be used exclusively to support public schools in the district. "