Senator Bill Weber expressed strong opposition to this move, attributing the current situation to legislation initiated by former Senator Elijah Rechlin-Melnick in 2021. “Elijah called it historic legislation. That legislation left the ERCSD to suffer under state monitors with veto power over an elected board of trustees,” Weber stated. “As a result of Elijah’s actions, we now have the Commissioner of Education vetoing the will of the voters and imposing her own tax levy.”
In April, state monitors vetoed a unanimous decision by the ERCSD board to approve a new superintendent. Senator Weber criticized this action as unreasonable and hypocritical, noting that the monitors then blamed voters for not having hired a superintendent.
Throughout his term, Senator Weber has advocated for long-term solutions, including organizing a public forum on the Foundation Aid Formula, as reported by Monsey Scoop here. He has also introduced legislation with Assemblyman Karl Brabenec to address transportation laws that he argues do not work for ERCSD due to the large number of private school students in the district.
Senator Weber accused Albany Democrats of being the root cause of the current challenges facing ERCSD. “Elijah and the rest of the Albany Democrats are the arsonists that started the fire. They can’t be the firefighters now,” he said. Weber emphasized his commitment to fighting for the voters and democracy amid ongoing challenges.
As the situation develops, Senator Weber assured the community that he will continue to advocate for their interests and stand up against decisions that undermine the will of the voters.
