The East Ramapo School Board is just weeks away from its planned July 1 start date for a new superintendent, and board members say the search is nearing its final stage.

During this week’s board meeting, a public speaker urged trustees to decide quickly, saying, "The public-school students cannot stand another year of instability. Complete the superintendent search without delay."

Board President Shimon Rose said the search has reached its final phase, with two candidates still under consideration. He told attendees that the board hopes to select a finalist by its next meeting.

"We want the public to know the board is doing everything, as a united board, in its power to hire a superintendent as soon as possible," Rose said. "We only wish the state and the monitors would partner with us in our efforts."

This update follows months of tension between the district and state-appointed monitors. Earlier this year, the monitors rejected the board’s initial unanimous choice for superintendent. The board later filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn that decision, but a judge recently dismissed the case.

A spokesperson for the State Education Department said the agency is pleased with the court’s ruling, adding in part that "it is imperative that the district's next superintendent possesses the demonstrated ability to navigate complex operational decisions, strengthen district systems, and advance the educational interests of all students and families in the community."

The district has had two interim superintendents in the past two years.