Adequate State Aid = Stable School Taxes

Local school officials are holding their breath waiting to hear Governor Jon Corzine’s budget message on March 21—and the resulting levels of state aid he recommends for 2006-07.

Against this backdrop, Leadership for Educational Excellence (LEE), a coalition consisting of NJSBA and the state’s major education groups, urged the governor to act in the interest of  students and property taxpayers by providing adequate funding to public schools. The coalition noted that the funding would serve as an alternative means of property tax relief—one that is far superior to issuing rebate checks in the fall.

“We are aware of the financial crisis affecting our state, and have seen firsthand the adverse impact this crisis has on New Jersey school children,” the leaders of the six LEE organizations stated in a letter to Corzine this week. “As you continue to restructure New Jersey’s future, our organizations urge you to consider increasing school funding for 2006-2007.

“…the cumulative effect of the declining share of state support, the second year of S-1701, and the continuation of flat funding for the majority of state school districts will result in higher property taxes, erosion of public support, and the reduction of school programs and services. Our members have told us these consequences are about to become reality for New Jersey school children…

“We agree with the opinion espoused by you and your cabinet officials during your 2006 Budget Summit at Rutgers University: New Jersey public schools are a foundational element in the economic development of our state. It is essential to ensure community tax stability by providing increased financial support to all school districts in this budget cycle. Increasing school aid by providing an April rebate to stabilize local taxes would benefit all New Jersey citizens.”

Members of LEE include NJSBA, the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials, the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey Parent Teacher Association, and the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association.