The annual event, attended by Rockland County School Board members, central and business office staff, and PTAs and Family Resource Center personnel, provides opportunity for a dialogue with state legislators about the quality and cost of education in Rockland’s eight school districts.

This year, members of the RCSBA presented concerns about regional cost recognition, unfunded mandates, mid-year cuts, pension cost explosion and the “unleashing” of BOCES, so that the agency can work toward more efficient ways for districts to share costs.

State Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, was the only state legislator able to attend. In her remarks following the presentation, she did offer to take the messages of the school boards’ association back to her colleagues in the state legislature. These representatives are Assemblypersons Nancy Calhoun, Annie Rabbit, Ken Zebrowski and Senator Thomas Morahan.

BOCES’ Board members who attended the breakfast included Board President Gail Koss, Sandi Jeanette, Christine Webb, David Grammerstorf, Thomas DePrisco, Bryan Burrell, Rosemary Pitruzzella , and Peggy Zugibe . District Superintendent Dr. Mary Jean Marsico was joined by a number of her administrative team, including Interim Assistant Superintendent for Administration Helene Hanson, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Dr. Charlene Jordan, Transportation Supervisor William Popkave and Public Information Coordinator Stephanie Gouss.