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Senator Weber Announces Record State Aide For Rockland County Schools

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Rockland County schools are poised to receive a record amount of state aid, thanks partly to the Rockefeller Institute’s groundbreaking report on education funding disparities. While the Institute held five public hearings across New York State, the Hudson Valley was notably excluded. In response, Senator Bill Weber hosted his own bipartisan foundation aid forum on July 29, 2024, bringing together school superintendents from Rockland County and beyond to ensure their voices were heard.
The testimony from Senator Weber’s forum was submitted to the Rockefeller Institute and incorporated into their final report, highlighting the urgent need for increased funding for Rockland County schools. As a result, the Governor’s proposed executive budget includes an additional $42.2 million in base state education aid for Rockland County schools over last year, including: 
⦁ $19.75 million more than last year for the East Ramapo School District
⦁ $13 million more than last year for the North Rockland School District
⦁ $4.2 million more than last year for the Clarkstown School District
⦁ $1.98 million more than last year for the Nyack School District
⦁ $1.81 million more than last year for the Suffern Central School District
“I’m grateful to the Rockefeller Institute for acknowledging and addressing this long-standing funding imbalance,” said Senator Bill Weber. “For years, Rockland County schools have been short changed due to an outdated funding formula. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure these crucial funding increases, at a minimum, are adopted in the final New York State budget for 2025-2026. I am also looking forward to the implementation of some of the other good recommendations in the Rockefeller report, which will ensure even more base state education aid for all our schools.”

Government

Secure Shred Event: Safely Dispose of Personal Documents Near You

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Residents are invited to safely dispose of sensitive documents at an upcoming Community Paper Shredding Event, designed to help protect against identity theft while promoting environmentally responsible recycling.

The event will provide a convenient and secure way for community members to shred personal documents such as old bank statements, tax records, medical paperwork, and other confidential materials. All documents will be shredded on-site by a professional shredding service, ensuring that personal information is fully destroyed.

In addition to helping residents safeguard their private information, the event supports sustainability efforts by ensuring that shredded paper is properly recycled.

Residents are encouraged to bring documents in boxes or bags. Please note that paper clips and staples are acceptable; however, large binder clips, folders, and non-paper materials should be removed in advance.

To allow as many residents as possible to participate, there may be a limit on the number of boxes per household.

This event is open to the general public, and no businesses will be permitted. See flyer for dates in your town.

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Clarkstown Honors 2026 Women of Distinction for Leadership and Community Service

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The Town of Clarkstown proudly celebrated its second annual Women of Distinction Ceremony for 2026, honoring local women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to the community.

Supervisor George Hoehmann selected two honorees, while each Town Council member recognized one woman from their ward. The honorees were recognized for their contributions to volunteerism, public service, and nonprofit work across Clarkstown and Rockland County.

“This year’s honorees embody the very best of our community,” said Supervisor Hoehmann. “Their compassion, leadership, and commitment to service continue to inspire us all.”

2026 Honorees

Breda Lyons and Catherine Levins (Supervisor’s Honorees)
Owners of River Court On Main in New City, Lyons and Levins have combined entrepreneurship with philanthropy, supporting numerous local charities, organizing drives for children in need, and giving back to community organizations.

Roberta Bangs (Ward 3 – Councilman Don Franchino)
A dedicated volunteer, Bangs has served as President of Hi-Tor Animal Shelter and the Nanuet Civic Association, while supporting organizations such as People to People and the Nanuet Ambulance Corps.

Jane Provenzano (Ward 2 – Councilman Mike Graziano)
A longtime advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, Provenzano founded PRO U ED, a program for adults with special needs, and serves as Vice President of the Congers Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Roxanne Perrone (Ward 4 – Councilman Bob Axelrod)
Perrone has played a key role in supporting New City’s small business community and serves as a trustee of the New City Library and member of the Clarkstown Planning Board.

Maura Donoghue (Ward 1 – Councilman Jon Valentino)
Donoghue oversees housing programs for the Rockland County Department of Social Services, managing initiatives that support vulnerable residents, including Section 8 housing and emergency services.

The Town of Clarkstown extended its congratulations and gratitude to all of the honorees for their lasting impact on the community.

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