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Rockland schools to benefit from stimulus package

School districts in Rockland County are expected to receive $38.2 million if President Barack Obama?s $819 billion stimulus package, which was passed by the House Wednesday, is approved by the Senate.

News 12 Staff

May 27, 2014, 9:45 PM

Updated 3,860 days ago

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School districts in Rockland County are expected to receive $38.2 million if President Barack Obama?s $819 billion stimulus package, which was passed by the House Wednesday, is approved by the Senate.
A large portion of the federal aid will be given to cities where many students fall below the state averages. The East Ramapo School District would receive the majority of the aid, amounting to $22.7 million.
East Ramapo schools Superintendent Ira Oustatcher admits that it is a major boost for a high-needs district like East Ramapo, which faces a multi-million dollar budget deficit, but he says he is "tentatively thrilled."
Oustatcher is waiting for the federal government to reveal exactly how the funds from the stimulus plan can be used.
"Tell me what I can do with it, tell me how can I spend it, tell me whether it?s going to impact my actual budget," Oustatcher says.
Parents at the Eldorado School in Chestnut Ridge are also eager to learn how the financial rescue package will benefit the district.
"If it could bring computers and more teachers and extra help to the school, extracurricular activities," says Elise Ward. "[It] would be excellent."