Core Beliefs of the New Jersey School Boards Association

Accountability
NJSBA believes that all local board members must adhere to the Code of Ethics for School Board Members and recognizes that school boards are directly accountable to the public. Ongoing training supports board members’ ability to meet standards of accountability.

Employee Benefits
NJSBA believes that school boards must have the ability to negotiate cost-effective benefits for their districts. To maximize savings for taxpayers, school boards participating in the State Health Benefits Plan must have the ability to negotiate the same types of cost-containment provisions that are currently available through private insurance carriers.

NJSBA believes that New Jersey’s pension system must provide a cost-effective, affordable and fiscally sound approach to employee retirement benefits.

Funding
NJSBA believes that the school finance system must be equitable, sufficient and sustainable. It must ensure that all districts are able to meet educational needs and provide opportunities for all students to realize their aspirations.

Property Tax Relief/Reform
NJSBA believes public school funding is over-reliant on property taxes and that property tax reform can best be achieved through a shift toward a progressive, state-level revenue source.

Regionalization
NJSBA believes that regionalization must be voluntary, driven by the educational needs of each community’s students, and reflect the will of the local citizenry. Research shows regionalization does not necessarily lead to economic benefits or increased student achievement.

Restructuring Administrative Functions At The County Level
NJSBA believes school districts are most effectively managed at the local level. Local school boards represent their communities and, therefore, are uniquely qualified to address the needs of their students and staff. Effective local school district management requires the cooperation of the state to provide support, technical assistance and necessary resources.

School Elections
NJSBA believes that school board elections must remain independent and apart from partisan elections because our children’s education is not a partisan issue.

NJSBA believes that it is in the best interest of communities and public education for proposed school budgets at or below the state-mandated spending cap to be granted automatic state/local approval.

Shared Services
NJSBA believes shared services continue to provide a flexible, collaborative, cost-effective method to enhance educational opportunities for all students, and must remain a local option.