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Szuberla, who served the Department of Education for 29 years, including as deputy commissioner before his retirement in late 2015, will lead the department’s continuing efforts to build greater communications and understanding with the East Ramapo community.
He will be supported by John W. Sipple, a Cornell University professor who continues in his role as part of the monitor team, specializing in budgeting and fiscal matters.
Szuberla, who replaces Dennis Walcott who left in March, will report directly to Elia and will be a regular presence in the East Ramapo School District, Elia said.
“Over the past year, the work of our monitors has begun to address the actions that undermined the educational rights of the students of East Ramapo for far too long, but we still have a considerable way to go,” said Elia. “Across the state, Chuck Szuberla is known as a leader who is able to bring various groups to the table to solve problems—and that’s the exact kind of experience we need in East Ramapo. I am confident that he will hit the ground running and continue to repair the trust of the East Ramapo community by engaging with students, staff, parents, and stakeholders.”
The East Ramapo School District has more than 24,000 students enrolled in private schools, mostly yeshivas, and another 8,500 mostly black or Latino students in the area's public schools.
"I applaud Commissioner Elia for the appointment of retired Deputy Commissioner of P-12 School Services, Charles Szuberla as monitor for the East Ramapo Central School District. Monitor Szuberla will be key to working with the district and the community to restore vital services and programs for the students of the East Ramapo Central School District," said Sen. David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester).
Szuberla will have the authority to monitor district operations, including fiscal and operational management and educational programming and to provide guidance, recommendations and propose actions for improvement to the school district.
In September, Szuberla and Elia plan to hold a public meeting in an effort to ensure all parents and community members are aware of any developments in the district.
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