Observing a committee of New Jersey’s legislature can sometimes be a boring part of one’s job in the Governmental Relations Department.  The first meeting of the Assembly Education Committee, on Monday, January 28^th, seemed to be heading down that path: there were only a few bills up for discussion, plus the main speaker, Commissioner of Education Lucille Davy, was unable to make a presentation on NJQSAC, due to dental surgery. In her place, Assistant Commissioner William King and a few of the new Executive County Superintendents spoke on the role on the “super” county superintendent.  As I watched this presentation, I noticed that after 45 minutes, a steady stream of observers began leaving the room.  I looked at my watch and thought of the immortal words of the rock band The Clash, “Should I stay or should I go?” I opted to stay, simply because I wanted to talk to a few of the Assembly representatives after the meeting. That’s when things went from boring to interesting with the remark “We make babies in nine months; why can’t we find a county superintendent in nine months?”  The speaker was the Chairman of the Assembly Education Committee, Joseph Cryan (Democrat). (more…)

In my early years with NJSBA as a County Program Coordinator, I had many phone conversations with the county association presidents.  One of my favorites was Sussex County SBA President Allen Rude, who everyone once in a while would go on a rant usually against the state or the legislators.  Before he expressed his opinion, he would warn me, ”Ray – I am going to get on my soap box now.“  Then, he would apologize.  But I would say, “If you cannot get on a soap box about educating our kids, then you probably should not be on a school board.” I believed it then (more…)

Here we are entering Week 3.75 of the primary season or, as some would call it, American politics at its worst. But scrape away the polling, the posturing and the pandering, and you’ll see that the candidates do talk about issues. Education just doesn’t seem to be at the top of the heap.

To be accurate, one candidate (more…)

On January 8, 2008 governor gave his “State of the State Address” and education or, for that matter, many other major issues received only cursory remarks.  The bulk of the speech was dedicated to his Financial Restructuring and Debt Reduction Campaign.  The governor’s only direct remark about public education was this:“Late last night, the 212th legislature, on a truly bipartisan basis, took on an issue ducked and debated for years and passed a historically, educationally sound and I certainly hope constitutionally appropriate school aid formula.  This new formula will improve all of our schools …it will help unify our citizens …and it will demonstrate to the public that government can work to provide for the common good.”

So, should local school boards be concerned about the major subject of his State of the State message, that is, the financial restructuring plan?  Absolutely!  (more…)

When the legislature is in session, there’s something lovely about the State House as evening descends.  The Assembly chamber’s frenetic daytime buzz mellows somewhat as the magnificent Edison chandelier suspended on beautiful bronze supports from a stained glass ceiling becomes brighter, and the globes of the once gas-fed wall sconces fill the “Peoples’ House” with a soft, warm hue.  The Senate, likewise, seems to slow its pace, and the approach of nightfall hastens the unfinished legislative business of the day. (more…)

On the final day of the 212^th legislature, New Jersey lawmakers approved two bills that pretty much tell school districts that whatever they do in special education placement is wrong.  Now, I am not an expert on too many things, but I am a full-fledged expert on being wrong no matter what I do. If you don’t believe me, ask my wife.  (more…)

Most of us are familiar with Let’s Make a Deal, you know the game show where Monty Hall stands in the audience holding dollar bills in front of contestants and asks them, “Do you want the cash or what’s behind door number 3?”  The two questions I have been hearing most from board members are these: ”Why did the NJEA support the formula?” and  “Where are the other education groups on the school funding formula?”  As anyone can see, there are some good things in this plan, but also some items that are worrisome. (more…)

TRENTON, January 3, 2007 — NJSBA President Kevin E. Ciak sent the following message to the state’s local board of education members today.Governor Corzine has proposed a $530 million statewide increase in education aid, resulting in a significant infusion of funds to a large number of school districts. The school funding bills, S-4000 (Buono) and A-500 (Roberts), (more…)

The school districts in New Jersey got a last minute present before the Christmas break, and it was the new school funding formula.  I am sure some districts would like to return this present but it seems that there is a “no return policy” for this gift.  It will be acted on by the legislature in the lame duck session.  There is a lot to digest in a very short amount of time for both the school districts and the legislators.  In reading through the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, I was thinking of the TV show Numb3rs.  (more…)