Major bills affecting public education and school board operations have passed both houses of the state Legislature, but still await final approval from Gov. Jon S. Corzine.

As of Tuesday, March 6, the governor’s office had not scheduled bill signings.

The governor may sign the bills turning them into law, return them for changes under a conditional veto, or veto entire proposals. If after 45 calendar days the governor takes no action, the bills automatically become law.

Property Tax Cap/Credit A-1 would create 4 percent property tax caps on school, municipal and fire district budgets. The bill also would provide residents with property tax credits, funded through part of the new revenue generated by last year’s 1-cent sales tax increase.  Final legislative approval: Feb. 5. Governor can veto or recommend changes up to March 22.

‘Super’ County Superintendent A-4 would create 21 executive county superintendents with far-reaching authority over local school district spending and operations. The politically appointed officials would also devise plans to eliminate send-all, or non-operating, school districts and would propose the restructuring of all districts into kindergarten through grade 12 systems.  Final legislative approval: Feb. 22. Governor can veto or recommend changes up to April 8.

Accountability A-5 would expand the state commissioner of education’s authority to intervene in school district business operations and give her the ability to appoint a state monitor under certain conditions. It would also expand training for new school board members and require reelected and reappointed members to undergo advanced training.

Final legislative approval: Jan. 29. Governor can veto or recommend changes up to March 15.