NJSBA to Task Force:
Keep Subcontracting Option Available

School boards must retain the ability to subcontract non-educational services if they choose, NJSBA told the New Jersey Privatization Task Force last week.

“The New Jersey School Boards Association has long been a proponent of giving school boards discretion to privatize services for one simple reason: It saves money for local property taxpayers who, along with the state, support the educational services,” said Barbara Horl, a member of NJSBA’s Government Relations Department, in her testimony April 14 before the New Jersey Privatization Task Force.

“For more than 15 years, NJSBA has successfully resisted legislation that would prohibit subcontracting during the term of the negotiated agreement and, therefore, prevent future privatization by school boards,” she said. “At all times, but in the current economic climate in particular, local school boards need to retain this option.”

NJSBA Fights Bills A bill introduced in the last legislative session, A-4140, would have made it virtually impossible for school districts to pursue privatization. It was released by the Assembly Education Committee, but never posted for a vote by the full house.

NJSBA has used member surveys to demonstrate to lawmakers the cost savings achieved through privatization. NJSBA’s survey in the fall of 2009 found more than 84 percent of the responding school districts fully subcontract one or more services, such as cafeteria management; buildings and grounds or custodial crews; pupil transportation; business operations or child study teams.

The 238 responding districts reporting cumulative yearly savings ranging from $34.3 million to $38.8 million – equivalent to hiring approximately 865 teachers at the average statewide starting salary of $44,826.

The five-member Privatization Task Force, chaired by former Congressman Dick Zimmer, is slated to issue a report by the end of May. Although the committee’s final public hearing was held recently, the task force established an e-mail address to receive additional input from citizens.

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