This topic is sensitive to write about, but I feel like it has to be addressed. I would like to first clarify that I am not against any religion and I respect everyone’s beliefs. However, when it starts affecting the way children are educated and the quality of education they receive, that’s when it becomes a problem.

I live in Rockland County, New York, in the village of Spring Valley. We are a very diverse town. We range from different nationalities to different religious views. There is a large Hasidic and Orthodox Jewish population, as well as a large Latino and African American immigrant community.

The Jewish community does not believe in public education, therefore they have their own schools called yeshivas which are private schools. On the other hand, the Latino and African American community utilize the public schools for their children.

So what’s the problem?

The East Ramapo Central School District in Spring Valley is currently run by most members of the religious Jewish community. They feel strongly about their beliefs and traditions which aren't a problem. However, they don’t teach their children English and only communicate in Yiddish. They don’t teach their children basic history, science, and math because they occupy their studying time to learn the Torah. Most importantly, they do not meet the requirements mandated by New York State Regulations for Private Schools but are allowed to use money and programs from the public schools.

Over the years the public schools in Spring Valley have been deteriorating. The education in East Ramapo is poor compared to our neighboring towns in Rockland County. For a period of time, elementary schools didn't have art or music . I felt sad because when I was in school those were my favorite subjects. The board at the time, however, argued that music and art were not mandated and therefore, weren't necessary. It was so unfair, but we fought to have them restored.

The buildings were also falling apart. When I graduated, our football games couldn’t be held in our school because the bleachers were damaged. After I left, my cousin who recently also graduated complained about various leaks in the ceilings that would force teachers to close down the rooms. It caused cluttered classrooms which meant a lower quality of learning.

Budget cuts also led to worsening the reputation of our schools. Public schools were sold supposedly to help restore programs that were cut. Hillcrest and Colton Elementary which were two schools I attended were sold to the religious groups for yeshivas. According to LoHud, Hillcrest was sold twice after its first sale was annulled after public school parents found out it was given away for a price lower than its value. The second time, however, was successful and done correctly.

Yet, It was too late. The mistrust of the public school community towards the board members grew even more.

The two private and public school communities collide, it’s not a surprise to anyone. Public school parents want an equal education for all children of East Ramapo, but the private school parents want an education for their children that focuses on their religious needs.

There is a sense of superiority because of how large the religious community is, but there’s even conflict inside their own neighborhoods when it comes to education. Alumni of yeshivas have spoken out about the lack of secular education they receive. An impediment that later affects them in life, especially if they seek out to continue their schooling outside of yeshivas.

The religious group took over since 2005. Since then, we haven't been able to achieve an equal amount of representation in the school board, even though we try, and we try really hard. This past March, along with other community members of the public schools we canvassed around the town encouraging people to get out and vote for the public school parents running for seats in May. We still lost.

For years I have heard of the private sector’s technique used, called bloc voting. This means they vote together motivated by the same concerns and are very successful at it. I remember at a board meeting once, we asked the board to resign (although we’ve asked more than once). We were told to leave the town if we don’t like them being there and, many times, we’ve been called anti-semitic.

I work in catering mainly for Jewish people in this area. I’ve worked in their homes, in their synagogues and I’ve also been in their schools to see party venues inside and wonder to myself, who pays for this? Fancy chandeliers hanging in classrooms ceilings, but who pays for that? School buses being utilized at night time to transport people to parties, but also, who pays for that?

To my fellow Jewish friends and neighbors, this isn’t about your religion. This is about allowing every child from public schools and private schools to receive the same education. Meanwhile, private schools want to fulfill religious needs, the public schools suffer. Why can’t we all thrive when it comes to education?

We need help but most importantly, we need people who care. We’ve reached out to Albany’s lawmakers but that hasn’t been enough. Mr. President, if you actually want to make America great again, start by helping communities like ours where the foundation for greatness is being destroyed. Public schools are the only way for many of us to get an education and as alumni from one of East Ramapo’s high school, I stand by them. They taught me to reach for success and thanks to the education I received, I am where I am today.

We keep being ignored and the children will keep suffering. We have been crying for help already for too long.