The New York State Education Department has appointed a fiscal monitor for East Ramapo schools.

The monitor, Shawn Farr, formerly worked as the chief financial officer for Rochester schools.

State officials say his responsibilities will be to ensure East Ramapo is able to implement their long-term academic and fiscal improvement plans and obtain financial stability.

The district has been plagued with budgetary problems for years and parent concerns about the quality of education, lack of resources, and deteriorating building conditions.

“East Ramapo Board of Education continues to ignore the needs of the district’s children and families,“ says Commissioner Betty A. Rosa. “The district consistently fails to meet its most basic and necessary fiscal and operational tasks – like developing and implementing a balanced budget, transporting students, and maintaining an educational environment that is safe and welcoming for all students and staff. Mr. Farr has proven his ability to address these issues in a wide variety of settings, and I am confident he will help the district get back on track for the sake of the students and their families.“

As a district monitor, Farr will serve as an “ex officio“ member of the district board of education and have the authority to approve the appointment of a superintendent, override proposed or adopted board resolutions and require board members, including the superintendent, to undergo training.

"I welcome Mr. Farr to the East Ramapo Central School District. Working closely with Dr. Jallow and our administrative team, Mr. Farr's deep expertise in school finances will help to place ERCSD on a path to academic and fiscal health," said Anthony DiCarlo, Superintendent of Schools, the East Ramapo Central School District.