A state monitor has suggested a fiscal watchdog for the East Ramapo School District after a state investigation found the district on the verge of a financial crisis.

State Monitor Hank Greenberg says the crisis was caused by bad leadership decisions on behalf of the school board. Spring Valley NAACP Education Co-Chair Dr. Oscar Cohen agreed with the findings. Cohen says the Ultra-Orthodox school board made cuts to public school programs, allegedly to fund Ultra-Orthodox yeshivas. Greenberg's findings did not show the board operated illegally.

In a statement, East Ramapo school officials say while the cuts were unfortunate, they had no choice. The school board claims district finances are improving and they will soon restore the cuts.

If approved by the state legislature, the fiscal watchdog would also be able to veto financial decisions made by the school board.