Government

Senator Weber Announces Record State Aide For Rockland County Schools

Published

1 year ago

February 13, 2025

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 “For years, Rockland County schools have been short changed due to an outdated funding formula.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

Turn Food Scraps Into Compost with Rockland’s Recycling Program

Published

1 week ago

July 18, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

After a summer barbecue or family gathering, those leftover food scraps don’t have to end up in the trash.

Rockland County is encouraging residents to join its Food Scrap Recycling Program, which diverts food waste from landfills and turns it into nutrient-rich compost.

Food scraps that end up in landfills produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. By recycling items such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other food waste, residents can help reduce emissions while creating a valuable resource for agriculture and landscaping.

County officials say the program is easy to join and can make a meaningful difference in reducing a household’s environmental footprint.

From banana peels and watermelon rinds to leftovers from backyard cookouts, every bit of food waste recycled helps keep organic material out of landfills.

Residents interested in participating can learn more and sign up through the county’s Food Scrap Recycling Program.

Government

Rockland Health Department Issues Hudson River Recreation Update

Published

3 weeks ago

July 5, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Rockland County Department of Health is advising residents that the Yonkers Wastewater Recovery Facility has been fully operational since July 3, while reminding the public to follow state health guidance when recreating on the Hudson River this holiday weekend.

According to the department, the New York State Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Conservation have been coordinating with Rockland and Westchester counties, New York City, and other partner agencies following the wastewater system disruption.

Health officials said residents should not drink untreated Hudson River water under any circumstances. They also advise against swimming or participating in activities that involve full-body immersion at beaches that remain closed.

However, officials said recreational activities involving partial contact with the water—including boating, kayaking, and fishing—are considered safe. Anglers are encouraged to review New York State Department of Health fish consumption advisories before eating their catch.

The Rockland County Department of Health said it will continue working with state and local agencies to monitor conditions.