Subject: ** Congers Elementary School/Hillcrest Elementary School/Other Options? **
Date: 09/13/13 09:11:06 AM
From: "robert kurkela"
To: BoardofEducation@ercsd.k12.ny.us, jklein@ercsd.k12.ny.us
Cc: tmorton@ccsd.edu, mikeaglialoro@ccsd.edu, cconti@ccsd.edu, wadolff@ccsd.edu, rcarlucci@ccsd.edu, dhoeneveld@ccsd.edu, jmalgieri@ccsd.edu, kgrogan@ccsd.edu, jlanave@ccsd.edu, robin.traum@patch.com, slieberman@lohud.com
Dear Mr. Weissmandl & Dr. Klein:
Clarkstown's oldest school, Congers Elementary School, has been closed indefinitely due to major structural problems. These issues would've been resolved if our infrastructure bond didn't fail miserably in 2009. But we cannot look back, point blame and ask "what if?" The children have now been split up into 3 different schools. The last time we had a situation like this it involved Laurel Plains Elementary School and a foul odor. The students were all temporarily relocated to Hillcrest Elementary School (vacant at the time), thanks to the East Ramapo School Board in place at the time 3 years ago:
http://newcity.patch.com/groups/schools/p/clarkstown-oks-moving-laurel-plains-students-to-closebfd009695b
It is my understanding that Justice Thomas J. McNamara’s decision on August 7 in Albany County Supreme Court allows East Ramapo to continue renting the Hillcrest Elementary School building until at least October 18, the next time lawyers for East Ramapo and Commissioner King are due in court. The building is now legally leased and not available. However, should the court agree with the Commissioner's annulling of the lease, I ask you to consider renting Hillcrest once again to Clarkstown.
Dr. Klein, I am asking you as a former administrator in Clarkstown and as a member of the Clarkstown Educators' Hall of Fame to please consider this or the possible rental of another building/space if available to Clarkstown so that our Congers Elementary children can all be together under one roof. This would eliminate many issues the children now are facing. A vote was taken last night and they are not currently being moved into St. Augustine's:
http://newcity.patch.com/groups/schools/p/motion-to-move-congers-students-to-st-augustines-not-supported
Mr. Weissmandl, I haven't agreed with anything to date that you have done in East Ramapo, as you are keenly aware. However, helping Clarkstown NOW would be a win-win. East Ramapo has financial issues which Clarkstown can help alleviate by paying rent. Clarkstown receives a school where all the children can be together once again, at least until they are able to return to their home school. The good will this would spread in our communities would be intangible.
If there is anything you can do to help Clarkstown, we would be most grateful. Thank you.
Carpe Diem
Robert Ward Kurkela
Clarkstown Parents to Save our Schools
