Lame Duck Legislature Could Take on School Funding

Slow Progress Toward Inclusion—NJSBA Study

New Jersey Students Among Nation’s Best in Reading, Math

Voters in Four Districts Approve $88 Million in School Construction

Web Extra: Hitler Youth Buttons Allowed at School

Workshop 2007 Badge and Bag Info

Board of Directors Highlights

Meeting Notice: NJSBA Executive Committee

Calendar

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Senate President Dick Codey and Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts last week dispelled any misperceptions that the Legislature would not be willing to address a new school funding system when it reconvenes after the Nov. 6 general election.

Codey and Roberts made the comments during a Sept. 28 breakfast hosted by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association.

According to the Senate president, however, discussion of a new school funding formula would be difficult without a corresponding debate on additional funding sources. He also indicated that the discussion must begin in time to meet state budget timelines for 2008-2009. In particular, Codey noted that statute places the announcement of state school-aid figures within 48 hours of the governor’s annual budget address, which is scheduled for Feb. 26. Therefore, a new formula would need to be set before that time.

Roberts noted that a number of new legislators with limited experience on school finance issues will take office when the new session begins in January, which could make it more difficult to craft a new funding formula.

Grass Roots Activism In anticipation of a school-funding debate during the lame-duck session, NJSBA plans to inform legislators about the formula components that are necessary to provide adequate resources for public school children in every local district. After last years’ special session, it became clear that communication by board members with their representatives can have a direct impact on lawmakers’ decision making.

NJSBA staff—working in conjunction with the Association’s legislative and school finance committees as well as the county associations—plan a major grassroots effort to tell legislators how an effective new school funding formula should work and the need for an adequate, sustainable funding stream.

Learn About It Board members can review the Association’s school-funding policies on NJSBA's Property Tax section and its Legislative Action section. They should also contact NJSBA’s Governmental Relations staff for the name of the NJSBA Legislative Committee member from their area, so they can coordinate outreach to lawmakers.

School Funding Beliefs The following points summarize NJSBA policy on school funding and can guide discussions with legislators:

• Shift school revenue away from the regressive local property tax to a more progressive state-level source;
  
  
• Implement a predictable, sustainable formula;
  
  
• Provide a required level of spending tied directly to the Core Curriculum Content Standards;
  
  
• Guarantee fiscal equity for children in Abbott and non-Abbott districts;
  
  
• Expand the state’s role in special-education funding;
  
  
• Expand state support for shared-services and regionalization studies; and
  
  
• Fulfill the state’s promise of adequate, safe facilities in all communities.