State Orders Re-inspection of Rockland Schools

News 12
May 26, 2016

http://hudsonvalley.news12.com/news/state-orders-re-inspection-of-rockland-schools-1.11843646

Dozens of schools in Rockland County will be re-inspected because of possible fire and safety code violations.

News 12 has learned that the state has ordered Rockland County to re-inspect up to 49 private schools in Ramapo and Spring Valley. Sources say the state apparently does not trust the town to keep their own schools safe.

This is the largest intervention of its kind in the district.

Two weeks ago, the Ramapo Town Board demoted and gave a 60-day suspension to Fire Inspector Adam Peltz.

Peltz was accused of ignoring safety code violations, including missing sprinklers, padlocked doors and broken exit signs during his visits to at least 19 local private schools.

County officials will begin thorough inspections Friday at schools, focusing on yeshivas that haven't been inspected in years and others reviewed by Peltz.

Ramapo Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence said he's unaware of the county's plans to re-inspect yeshivas in his town, but that they're taking steps to ensure student safety too.

County leaders say yeshivas by law are supposed to be inspected every year and that their only concern is for student safety.