P.O. Box 909 ● Trenton, NJ 08605-0909 ● Phone: 609.695.7600 ● Fax: 609.695.0413 ● Web: www.njsba.org/PI

NJSBA Opposes Voucher Bill

TRENTON, May 13, 2010 — The New Jersey School Boards Association today expressed its opposition to a bill that would use corporate tax credits to fund school vouchers, essentially diverting public funds to non-public schools at a time when boards of education are dealing with a $1.2 billion cut in state aid to education.

The “Opportunity Scholarship Act” (S-1872) was released today by the Senate Economic Growth Committee. It could be voted on by the full Senate as early as May 20. The bill would give tax credits to corporations that contribute to a fund, operated by the Department of Treasury, which would provide “scholarships” – vouchers – that may be used at a public or non-public school of a student’s choice.

The proposal would divert a minimum of $360 million from the state’s general fund over the next five years.

“NJSBA questions the logic of diverting funds from the state's revenue stream to private school programs at a time when sufficient funds are not available for our public schools,” said Marie S. Bilik, the organization’s executive director.

The Opportunity Scholarship Act would create a pilot program in 36 districts where at least one traditional public school, charter school or alternative public school is identified by the state Department of Education as “chronically failing.” Any low-income student in the district, even one not attending a “failing” school, could apply for a voucher.

In addition, the bill would reserve one-quarter of the funds generated by the tax credits for students already attending a non-public school.

“The bill also raises practical questions,” said Bilik. “Who is responsible for transporting ‘scholarship’ students to the schools outside their home district? Is it the student’s district of residence, or the receiving district? Will designated districts be required to replicate support programs available to students in their original districts, such as after-school programs?

“This proposal ignores local school boards’ responsibility to represent their communities in determining school choice options,” Bilik continued. “It also does not address the needs of students in targeted districts who do not participate in the program. A better approach would be for the state to direct improvement efforts within the public school system in a way that ensures that they reach all schoolchildren.”

The New Jersey School Boards Association is a federation of 588 local boards of education and includes 44 charter school associate members. NJSBA advocates the interests of school districts, trains local school board members, and provides resources for the advancement of public education