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State Senator Harckham Announces $1 Million in Senate Funding for the North Rockland Central School District

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Garnerville, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that the North Rockland Central School District (NRCSD) is receiving $1 million from the Senate as part of a plan that provides additional funding for school districts experiencing significant financial hardships.

“My colleagues in the State Senate and I understand that school districts statewide need proper financial support and resources to provide the best education possible for our students,” said Harckham. “This Senate funding, in addition to the school aid given by the state to the North Rockland Central School District, will ensure that instruction and programming remain at their optimal levels while protecting local taxpayers. The Senate leadership deserves thanks for decisively acting on my request to help North Rockland.”

The Senate funding for NRCSD, which was adopted by resolution in June 2023, was part of an appropriation plan in the state’s FY2024 budget supporting schools that are experiencing extraordinary changes in taxable property valuations or significant tax liabilities because of a tax certiorari settlement or judgment.

In the case of NRCSD, the funding will help draw down the debt from a 2006 tax certiorari settlement with Mirant Corp., the owner of two power plants in the district that were judged to have been over assessed in prior years. The funding secured by Harckham will help offer taxpayers relief from the Mirant debt crisis in North Rockland, which is the largest tax certiorari in New York State history.

In the state’s FY2024 Budget, NRCSD received $84.4 million in Foundation Aid, a $17.3 million or 25.9% increase from the prior year’s budget. The district received $112.8 million in state aid, not including the $1 million in announced Senate funding.

North Rockland Central School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kris Felicello said, “This $1 million in Senate funding will go a long way in helping North Rockland pay down some of the annual debt service associated with the 2006 Mirant settlement. We appreciate the work of Senator Harckham in lessening the burden on our taxpayers.”

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Rockland County Offers Free Mosquito Dunks® and Mosquito-Eating Minnows to Residents

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Protect your home and community from mosquitoes this spring and summer!

The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is offering free mosquito control products to residents, including Mosquito Dunks® and fathead minnows, to help reduce the mosquito population and prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.


Mosquito Dunks® – Available by Appointment

What they are: Small, floating “donuts” that release safe bacteria to kill mosquito larvae in standing water.

Who can get them: Rockland County residents for use in unused swimming pools, spas, and other water-holding containers.

How to get them:

  • Pick-up location: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, 50 Sanatorium Road, Building D, Pomona, NY

  • By appointment only – Reserve in advance by calling 845-364-3173 or emailing [email protected]

  • Required: Download and complete the order form from the Mosquito Control Program webpage and bring it with you to your scheduled pickup.


🐟 Fathead Minnows – One-Day Giveaway Event

What they are: Small fish that eat mosquito larvae—up to 200 larvae per day!

Event Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, Building D, 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona, NY
Important: Minnows must be released only within Rockland County

How to reserve:

  • Register online via the Mosquito Control Program webpage, or

  • Call 845-364-3173
    Note: The event date and time are subject to change. Signs will be posted to guide attendees to the correct location.


For more information, visit the Rockland County Health Department Mosquito Control Program webpage.

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988: Three Numbers That Can Change a Life

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The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is here for anyone feeling overwhelmed, sad, stressed, or in a mental health crisis. It’s free, private, and available 24/7.

What happens when you contact 988?

  • You’ll talk with a trained counselor who listens and cares.

  • They’ll help you feel supported and work through what you’re going through.

  • You can call, text, or chat—whatever feels best for you.

988 is for everyone.

  • You don’t have to be in a serious emergency.

  • You can reach out for yourself or if you’re worried about a friend or family member.

Sharing 988 can save lives.
Let’s help more people know that support is just three numbers away.
You’re not alone—and no one else has to be either.

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