East Ramapo School District plans to hire over 200 staff amid budget constraints

The East Ramapo Central School District (ERCSD) held a preliminary budget meeting on April 7, 2025, at Chestnut Ridge Middle School, focusing on staffing needs and budgetary constraints as the district aims to rebuild after years of challenges. The meeting highlighted the district's commitment to enhancing educational support through the addition of various positions, despite a proposed budget that maintains a 0% increase.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Instruction emphasized the importance of leveling the district's staffing to better support students across all grade levels. The proposed additions include teacher assistants, particularly in kindergarten classrooms, to help educators manage classroom dynamics and prepare students for future academic challenges. This initiative aims to address the ongoing struggle with student engagement and learning readiness.

The district is also looking to bolster its clerical and transportation staff to improve operational efficiency. The need for additional human resources support has been underscored by a decade of stagnant hiring practices, which have left the district with numerous vacancies. The meeting revealed that previous budget constraints had led to a decline in staff morale and retention, as many educators sought opportunities in neighboring districts offering more competitive salaries.

In a positive turn, the district has recently settled four contracts that align salaries with market rates in Rockland County, which is expected to ease recruitment challenges. However, the district faces uncertainty regarding federal funding, particularly with anticipated cuts to the ESSER ARP grant, which could impact positions previously funded through federal aid.

To address staffing shortages, ERCSD is implementing a comprehensive hiring strategy that includes job fairs and partnerships with local universities to attract new graduates. The district is forming specialized hiring committees to streamline the recruitment process for various roles, ensuring a targeted approach to filling critical positions.

As the district navigates these challenges, community support remains vital. The administration is optimistic that with the right resources and staffing, ERCSD can enhance its educational offerings and improve conditions for both students and staff. The meeting concluded with a commitment to keep the community informed about ongoing developments, particularly regarding federal funding and its implications for the district's budget and staffing plans.