The long and winding budget battle is over. With unofficial results tallied, it appears Ramapo residents passed the $127,066,927 2012-13 school budget, with 1358 yes votes to 618 nos. Ramapo Central also has a new School Board member.
In other school news, Suffern Middle School Principal Brian Fox tweeted early this morning: “Rolling to Washington DC with our 8th grade!”
According to school district documents, the district was able to contain a budget-to-budget increase of 3.28%, or $4 million, by capturing savings through the implementation of an energy performance contract, restructuring of its special education program and Family 
Resource Centers and reductions in transportation, infrastructure and staffing due to attrition.
Newcomer Theresa DiFalco unseated longtime Sloatsburg School Board member William Gonzalez. DiFalco was backed by an organized Preserve Ramapo effort but also rallied enough grass roots support to lead all candidates. A lifelong Ramapo resident and Montebello attorney, DiFalco is a former Rockland County prosecutor and board member of the Montebello PTA who said that her legal background will prove an important asset in helping the School Board wade through numerous state and federal mandates.
The Ramapo Central School District projects a budget deficit, perhaps for the first time, in the 2013-2014 budget year. This year, the board opted to apply $2.8 million in reserve funds to bridge a funding gap resulting from multi-year reductions in state aid and the burden of unfunded and underfunded mandates; the tax 
levy increase will be below the maximum allowable levy limit.
Dean of the School Board Thomas Bollato, from Sloatsburg, retained his seat. Bollato was first elected in 1988 and is a multi-term past board president. Voters also re-elected Teresa Monahan of Suffern. Terms for the newly-elected members will begin July 1, 2012 and conclude June 30, 2015.
With William Gonzalez’ departure from the school board, Sloatsburg loses a strong voice and advocate. Gonzalez has served on the board since being elected in 2000, and was an amiable and energetic presence that focused on the myriad student needs. A member of Friends of Sloatsburg, a nonprofit group that delivers social support to families in need, Gonzalez remains active as a coach for youth sports teams. He was a founding member of the Suffern Community Foundation and past chairperson of the Suffern Community Development Committee.
The following results are unofficial. But it’s a wrap.
* Theresa DiFalco 1293 votes — newly elected.
* Teresa Monahan 1289 votes — re-elected.
* Thomas Bollatto Jr. 1016 votes — re-elected.
William Gonzalez 924 votes.
In other school news, Suffern Middle School Principal Brian Fox reported early this morning via Twitter as buses pulled out — “Rolling to Washington DC with our 8th grade!”
SMS 8th graders make their annual Washington D.C. pilgrimage. Participating students will spend three days exploring the capitol’s historical sites and halls, returning on Friday evening.
