NJSBA Launches Online
Resources for School Budgets, Elections

NJSBA has launched two special sections on its Web site: One is a resource section to help school boards navigate through the state’s 2010 budget crisis, and another page promotes the Annual School Election in the community.

Budget Resources With school boards facing a proposed $820 million cut in state aid for the coming year – and with public frustration over the highest-in-the-nation property taxes – school budgets are clearly at risk.

To help school boards, NJSBA has posted its 2010 School Budget Resources online.

The page includes sample resolutions that boards can discuss and approve, the latest news and public statements, and information about a survey to gauge the effects of state aid cuts to local schools. The resource center will be updated regularly throughout the 2010 school budget season.

Voter Resources The 2010 Voter Information Center provides citizens with voter registration forms, absentee ballot information, and information and data about New Jersey’s Annual School Election on April 20.

The site encourages public participation in the school election, and it reminds them that citizens not currently registered to vote must have done so by Tuesday, March 30 to participate in this year’s school election. However, the site also has tools for school board use – such as NJSBA’s 2010 Vote poster, which any district can download, print and post throughout the community.

In the Annual School Election, voters in more than 90 percent of New Jersey school districts select school board members and decide whether to approve their school district’s proposed operating budget for the year. Those proposed budgets must remain within state-mandated tax-levy caps.

For information or comments on either of NJSBA’s online resource pages, contact NJSBA’s Communications Department at (609) 278-5209.

Copyright © 2010 New Jersey School Boards Association. All rights reserved.