A Critical Question at a Critical Time

NJSBA’s Executive Committee on Saturday endorsed a Core Beliefs statement that will guide our Association and local boards of education during the upcoming debate over property tax reform, school funding, and school district organization. The statement is based on existing NJSBA policy, approved by the membership through the Delegate Assembly.

July through December will be a period of intense debate on issues involving New Jersey’s local boards of education. For example—

• Governor Corzine will convene a special session of the Legislature to begin work on property tax reform.
  
  
• A legislative task force will deliberate over a new school funding system.
  
  
• Public employee pensions and benefits will come under scrutiny during legislative hearings.
  
  
• Lawmakers may propose bills involving regionalization, consolidation of administrative functions at the county level, scrutiny over administrator contracts, and school elections.

There has never been a more important time for school board members to remain united behind a common set of beliefs. Our Core Beliefs, on page 2, will make clear to New Jersey lawmakers and the general public NJSBA’s viewpoint on critical issues affecting education.

As always, I thank you for your work on behalf of our state’s 1.4 million public school children.