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NJ Spotlight--Online Tool Makes It Easier for Municipalities to Share Services
The push to pool resources is key to driving down property taxes. Website gives local leaders a chance to explore their options — before consolidation is mandated
Local governments are being told that pooling resources with other municipalities is a good way to save money. To encourage them to conserve cash this way, the state yesterday rolled out its online Shared Services Portal, a website loaded with best practices, information on feasibility studies, and a direct link to policy experts in Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration.
John Reitmeyer | November 6, 2018
Associated Press (via Press of Atlantic City)--NJ voters face ballot question on $500M bond for schools
TRENTON — New Jersey voters, in addition to deciding competitive Senate and House races, will also decide the fate of $500 million in bonds that would be used for a host of school-related initiatives.
MIKE CATALINI Associated Press| November 5, 2018
Washington Post--From South Carolina to California, charter school-loving billionaires are plowing money into midterm local and education races
In Charleston, S.C., advocates for the public school district are worried. They have watched some of the state’s wealthiest people — including billionaire financier Ben Navarro — form a coalition this year to back school board candidates who support a broad expansion of charter schools.
Valerie Strauss| November 5 at 4:44 PM
Chalkbeat--Care about education? On Election Day, watch these races with us
Education won’t be top of mind for all voters on Tuesday. But in some parts of the country, schools are at the heart of intense political battles.
In Wisconsin, teachers unions are hoping a former educator will oust their longtime foe, Scott Walker. In Arizona, a school voucher program is on the ballot — though school choice advocates aren’t happy about it. And across the country, local school board races, dozens of governors’ elections, and the fight for Congress are all set to shape education policy for years to come.
If you’re focused on education, here are some races worth caring about.
https://chalkbeat.org/posts/us/2018/11/05/education-election-2018-key-races/
Matt Barnum|November 5, 2018
Education Week--Could Tax Increases Fix School Funding Problems? Some Gubernatorial Candidates Think So
While the economy has been going strong in recent years, school funding has not caught up. And with 36 governors up for re-election next month, along with two-thirds of legislative seats across the states, the topic has been a hot one on the campaign trail this season. The issue is especially prevalent in five states that have struggled amid budget cuts that have led to teacher layoffs, inadequate school facilities, and reduced school schedules.
Kathleen Manzo on October 25, 2018 5:20 PM
