To the editor: 

Rockland residents need to take a hard look at what is happening within our school board because what we are seeing is unacceptable. Board members Roy Rogers, Ed Gorr, and Tom Ward chose to stand against a merger that the community overwhelmingly supported during the referendum vote. That decision alone shows a clear disregard for the will of the people. But their actions since then have only deepened that divide.

Now, under the leadership of Board President Ed Gorr, the board is reportedly preparing to appoint Mr. Gorr’s own wife, Jennifer Gorr, as the next superintendent. Even the appearance of this kind of insider decision-making should concern every taxpayer in this district. This is not transparency. This is not good governance. 

It raises serious questions about judgment and ethics, especially given past positions taken by this same board on similar situations between board members and district employees.  The School Board is the direct supervisor of the superintendent.  If Mrs. Gorr is hired, Mr. Gorr should resign his position on the board immediately. 

At the same time, the board is pointing to a budget shortfall, a problem of their own making. Proposing a budget in 2025 below the tax cap against professional advice and then turning around and citing financial strain is not responsible leadership. It is a failure to listen and a failure to plan.

The conduct of a few members at meetings has been equally troubling. Community members have witnessed behavior that is dismissive, unprofessional, and at times downright disrespectful. Residents who show up to be heard deserve better than that. Mr. Roger’s tone at board meetings shows his inability to be respectful of others.  All one must do is to watch the recordings of the board meetings to witness this circus.  

There are ongoing concerns about accountability. When board members continue to serve under a cloud of controversy, whether related to their personal conduct, decision-making, or conflicts of interest, it further erodes trust in the institution.

In less than a year, this board has destroyed staff morale, divided the community, and undermined confidence in the district, despite the public’s clear desire to move forward together after the merger. 

This is not leadership. This is a pattern of poor judgment.

Rockland’s students, parents, and taxpayers deserve a school board that listens, acts with integrity, and puts the community first. 

Our children deserve better from our Board of Education. Our community deserves better from our Board of Education. 

Unfortunately, if the current leadership continues, our school district will continue to suffer and ultimately our children will lose out.  Get out and vote for change.  Be active and demand better. 

 PJ McLauglin

Taxpayer, Rockland Central School District