by Michael Weiss
The School budget vote took place this past Tuesday in Rockland and left many residents of the county surprised. Shocking turnouts and almost every school budget being passed within the county has left many pleased. School districts across the board saw voter turnouts double that of 2021, although the district of Nanuet saw a 10 percent decrease in voters. East Ramapo saw nearly triple the amount of voters and is also the only notable district for being the only one to not pass the vote with 72 percent of voters voting NO according to News 12. Clarkstown saw 74% to YES, Nanuet saw 79% to YES, North Rockland saw 80% to YES, Nyack saw 79% to YES, Pearl River voted 76% to YES, South Orangetown voted 67% to YES, and Suffern voted 78% to YES. Certain factors like increased polling centers across the county allowing for easier access and widespread reach, a more rigorous campaign, and loosening of COVID restrictions could be potential attributes to this increase in voter turnout.
For the second time in only a few months a racist incident has occurred between the schools of Pearl River and Nyack. This time the incident occurred during a track meet, although the exact verbiage used during the recent event is unknown, the students have been identified and have been reprimanded. Last February students from Pearl River were according to News 12 videotaped making monkey noises towards a black player during a basketball game. Pearl River school officials have stated they are forming an Equity Task Force to address the repeating issue.
Dominican College announced in a press release yesterday May 18th, that it is now Dominican University of New York, making it the first educational establishment to reach University status in Rockland County. This milestone coincides with the University’s 70th anniversary and brings formal recognition, prestige, and opportunities and developments for both programs and students alike. This news also follows recent news of the now University receiving two federal grants, one from the DoE and the other from the Department of Health and Human Resources. According to the press release, “Dominican was granted University Status by the New York State Board of Regents based on the fact that Dominican offers graduate programs in at least three of the following discipline areas: agriculture, biological sciences, business, education, engineering, fine arts, health professions, humanities, physical sciences, and social sciences.”