Student Achievement
Advocate for policies that will close student achievement gaps and accelerate learning through intensive supports, such as high dosage tutoring and professional development for educators.
Promote multiple pathways for post-secondary success for all students in both life and career, including the expansion of vocational programs in comprehensive schools.
School Funding & Finance
Advocate for continuous full funding of the state’s school finance formula (SFRA) to meet the needs of all students in a manner that is consistent, equitable, reliable and sustainable.
Mitigate the adverse impact on school districts experiencing reductions in state aid due to ensure all students continue to receive a thorough and efficient education.
Push for ongoing and comprehensive review and study of the funding formula that facilitates public input and will result in the modernization of and improvement to the state’s system of financing public education.
Promote property tax levy cap flexibility to enable school districts to reach their local fair share, as determined by the funding formula, particularly for districts experiencing reductions in state aid, raising less than their local fair, and/or spending below adequacy.
Increase state financial support for costs that are largely outside the control of boards of education, such as special education, pupil transportation, and health care.
Advocate for reform to payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) arrangements to provide boards of education with more input into such agreements as well as share in the revenue generated by PILOTs.
Special Education
Increase state absorption of districts’ Extraordinary Special Education costs to fulfill the State’s commitment to reimburse 100% of eligible costs and reduce the tension between local spending on general education and special education.
Resist attempts to decrease federal support for special education and continue to advocate for full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Staffing & Labor Relations
Enhance the pipeline of qualified educators by:
- Eliminating the state residency requirement (i.e., “NJ First Act”) for public school employees.
- Strengthening teacher certification reciprocity between New Jersey and other states.
- Promoting policies that will increase the diversity of the teaching workforce.
- Highlighting the positive aspects of serving as a teacher or support professional.
Alleviate bus driver shortage through licensing flexibility without diminishing the safety of pupils and promote utilization of the law permitting certain individuals to operate smaller school buses without holding a commercial driver license (CDL).
Oppose and mobilize against efforts to intrude into collective bargaining and local governance, including decisions regarding personnel and employee benefits.
Student Health & Well-Being
Advocate for universal free school meals fully funded by the state and/or federal government.
Counter the effects of social media and internet usage on student mental and behavioral health, including supporting districts in adopting responsible, community-driven cell phone usage policies.
Expand district capacity to develop and implement high-quality mental health supports, including supporting efforts that will expand the pipeline of qualified mental health professionals to provide school-based services.
Preserve and expand high-quality school-based youth services programs.
Promote social-emotional learning programs and improvements to the overall school climate.
Facilities & Construction
Advocate for state funding and reforms that will assist all districts in modernizing aging school infrastructure.
Governance & Operations
Promote civility and the toning down of political rhetoric at the local board level.
Strongly reject any proposals that would force school districts to consolidate or regionalize without the support of all affected communities and determined through voter referendum.
Note: In all our endeavors, it’s explicit that we advocate for funding for all mandates.