Dear School Board Member,
New Jersey public education faces a sea change.
This summer, state leaders will consider proposals to restructure revenue and spending, to change local government organization, and to reform public employee compensation.
Over the past year, NJSBA began setting the groundwork for effective participation in the public debate that lies ahead:
- Tax Reform: NJSBA helped set the stage for the current debate through advocacy of a special legislative session on tax reform, including production of the video presentation, Property Taxes in New Jersey: Striking a Balance. Local school board members have effectively communicated the need for revenue reform and for an end to the five-year string of flat funding.
- Health Benefits: NJSBA has developed legislation to reform the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program. The changes would give school boards in the SHBP the ability to negotiate cost-containment provisions. Last winter’s report of the Pension and Benefits Review Task Force reflected many of NJSBA’s proposals. These reforms are being echoed by legislative leaders today.
- Special Education: NJSBA is soliciting proposals from researchers for a year-long study of special education costs, funding and delivery systems. The study should prove valuable in the public debate over state and federal funding.
- Shared Services: The Association will begin a research project on shared services. The effort will culminate in a resource base of “best practices.” It will also produce strategies to encourage shared services among school districts, local government and the private sector.
- Superintendent Contracts: NJSBA is expanding its inservice training in the area of superintendent contract development. New training programs began this spring, and the focus will continue through next year. The effort will enable school boards to develop contracts that reflect school district educational goals and financial concerns.
As a new landscape takes shape in public education, local school boards will address proposals that they can support, and some that they must oppose. Through it all, NJSBA intends to be an integral part of the decision-making process.
Sincerely yours,
Edwina M. Lee
Executive Director
