Sample Resolution:
UNDERFUNDED STATE AND FEDERAL MANDATES

WHEREAS,	In 1995, the voters of New Jersey approved a constitutional amendment prohibiting future unfunded state mandates; and

WHEREAS,	Notwithstanding this constitutional amendment, the state government has continued to chronically underfund requirements established before and after 1995; and

WHEREAS, 	The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13 et seq.) has received only nominal appropriations despite studies indicating annual compliance costs exceeding $4 million annually to local school districts; and

WHEREAS,	The “Teacher Effectiveness and Accountability for the Children of New Jersey (TEACHNJ) Act.” (N.J.S.A. 18A:6-117) was implemented without any specific appropriation for the acquisition and implementation of new teacher evaluation rubrics as well as the increased costs associated with additional evaluation staff; and 

WHEREAS,	The costs associated with preparing for and administering statewide standardized tests (PARCC), including acquisition of necessary technology, exceeded the funds made available through state appropriations; and

WHEREAS,	State extraordinary special education cost aid is provided to school districts as partial reimbursement for required services, such as high-cost out-of-district placement, yet is only funded at 58% of the aid to which school districts are entitled; and

WHEREAS,	In 1975, when Congress enacted the federal special education law (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or “IDEA”), it promised to fund 40% of the cost associated with the law; and

WHEREAS,	New Jersey receives annual federal funding equivalent to only 16% of IDEA costs, a shortfall of $535 million; and

WHEREAS, 	Costs associated with underfunded federal and state mandates require local boards of education to re-prioritize spending within the confines of the 2% tax levy cap and the administrative spending growth limits; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED,	That the _____________ Board of Education urges Congress and the New Jersey State Legislature to provide consistent appropriations to ensure that the state and the federal government meet their financial obligations toward these statutorily required programs and services; and be it further

RESOLVED,	That this resolution be sent to Governor Chris Christie, Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, State Senator ______________, Assembly Representatives _________________ and ______________, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, and Congressional Representative ________________; and be it further

RESOVLED,	That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the New Jersey School Boards Association.