Quality Public Education for All New Jersey Students

 

 
     GSCS Email-Net Archive - Recent and Selected Posting
     GSCS Email-Net 11-16-10
     GSCS News 'Email-Net' Archive, beginning 2009
     6-2-10 RACE TO THE TOP (RTTT) 'NJ STYLE': It is what it is ...but what exactly is it? Race to the Top application is caught in a crossfire of reports - more information and clarity is needed
     3-4-10 GSCS Email-Net: Summit @ Summit Report - A New Day in Trenton?
     2-12-10 Gov Chrisite's Message re Current Yr Deficit
     2-16-10 Email-net March @ Summit at Summit
     1-26-10 GSCS Email-Net Christie Era Begins
     1-20-10 GSCS Heads Up FYI.docx
     1-6-10 GSCS Email-Net Lame Duck Watch
     12-15-09 Email-Net
     11-9-09 GSCS Email-Net: Request to Trustee Districts
     11-6-09 GSCS Email-Net: Important Post-Election Information
     11-5-09 GSCS Email-Net: Election Information - Christie on Education - and Request to Member Districts
     11-3-09 GSCS Email-Net: Today is Election Day - Coverage, more
     10-21-09 GSCS EMAIL-NET: Commissioner Davy to be at GSCS meeting in Atlantic City
     10-15-09 GSCS Email-Net: Compare Corzine-Christie re education
     9-25-09 GSCS EMAIL-NETOn GSCS Radar Screen, Intro Cons. Cntct
     9-14-09 GSCS EMAILNET Welcome 2009-2010
     6-24-09 GSCS EMAILNET Heads Up FYI
     6-22 & 24 (update) - 09 GSCS EMAILNET FYI re bills A4140, A1489, A4142
     6-19-09 a.m. GSCS 'Quick' FYI - State Budget Vote delayed to Thursday, June 25
     6-15-09 GSCS Heads Up FYI
     6-12-09 EMAILNET
     6-4-09 EMAILNET
     5-19-09 Treasurer David Rousseau announces additional round of cuts to Gov's proposed State Budget FY2009-2010
     5-14-09 GSCS Heads Up - State Aid payments to be delayed into next Fiscal Year
     428-09 EMAILNET Abbott & SFRA; DOE before State Budget Committees
     4-17-09 EMAILNET Federal Stimulus Title 1 and IDEA Allocations Announced
     4-2-09 EMAILNET & GSCS FYI for April 2009
     3-27-09 EMAILNET
     3-16-09 EMAILNET
     3-6-09 GSCS March FYI - Trenton & GSCS Happenings & more
     2-23-09 EMAILNET
     2-12-09 EMAILNET GSCS Message for State Budget FY10: STABILITY & FAIRNESS
     1-30-09 EMAILNET Fed Stimulus Proposal, School Vote, Stability & Fairness
     1-24-09 EMAILNET Federal Stimulus proposal - local district impact listing
     1-17-09 GSCS EMAILNET & SCHOOL FUNDING OVERVIEW
     1-17-09 GSCS EMAILNET
     Education excerpts from House Fed Stimulus package in GSCS 1-15-09 Heads Up
     GSCS 1-15-09 'Heads Up' - House Releases its Fed Stimulus Package
     January 2009 GSCS FYI
     1-5-09 EMAILNET Gov Announces Spending Reductions for FY0809 Today
     12-21-08 GSCS EMAILNET - Excerpts
     10-31-08 EMAILNET
     10-17-08 EMAILNET
     9-29-08 GSCS EMAILNET
     9-12-08 GSCS EMAILNET
     7-2-08 EMAILNET FYI
     6-17-08 EMAILNET FYI, State Budget Agreement, School Construction bill moving towards passage
     6-10-08 GSCS EMAILNET FYI Trenton focus
     5-30-08 EMAILNET FYI - GSCS ANNUAL MTG NEWS BRIEFS
     4-16-08 EMAILNETSchool Budget Elections early results
     1-18-07 GSCS EMAILNET FYI
     1-14-08 EMAILNET Governor Corzine Sign funding legisation into law 1-13-08 at Drumthwacket
     1-11-08 EMAILNET Funding legislation passes - Aftermath
     1-4-08 EMAILNET GSCS statement on current funding proposal - leaning negative
     1-3-08 EMAILNET Aid proposal - update & analysis
     12-21-07 EMAILNET - GSCS spots 'Giveback' provision in draft bill - a flip flop?
     12-19-07 Proposed Funding formula - update
     12-12-07 EMAILNET Funding Plan proposal to be released today, no bill yet
     12-7-07 EMAILNET Jt Committees schedule hearing on new school funding plan, Commissioner Davy to present
     12-6-07 EMAILNET Funding bill - emerging issues
     12-1-07 EMAILNET FYI Governor Corzine present new school funding formula concepts
     11-30-07 EMAILNET FYI
     11-13-07 GSCS EMAILNET
     11-6-07 EMAILNET
     10-15-07 GSCS EMAILNET
     10-1-07 GSCS EMAILNET
     071015 EMAILNET
     071001 EMAILNET
     9-21-07 EMAILNET
     7-31-07 EMAILNET Status of School Funding Formula, more
     7-10-07 EMAILNET Includes GSCS ADVOCACY PACKET Need for new school funding formula, more
     6-29-07 EMAILNET Lots of news affeccting your schools and communities
     6-22-07 EMAILNET State Budget Passes last night
     6-14-07 GSCS FYI EMAILNET State Budge FY08 Revisions to State Budget filed today
     6-13-07 GSCS EMAILNET
     5-18-07 EMAILNET School Funding Formula Needed Now
     3-30-07 EMAILNET
     3-21-07 EMAILNET
     3-6-07 EMAILNET State Budget hearings, State Aid, Grassroots activities
     2-22-07 GSCS EMAILNET re Gov's Budget Message
     2-20-07 EMAILNET FYI - AMID joins GSCS
     2-12-07 EMAILNET SCHOOL AID & PROPERTY TAX HELP NEEDED NOW
     2-9-07 GSCS EMAILNET MEMBER FYI on Trenton legislation Action
     1-26-07 EMAILNET TRENTON UPDATE: A4 CORE Plan on Assembly Agenda Monday; A1 The 4% Tax Cap bill not yet introduced but still possible for Assembly agenda 1-29 also
     1-19-07 EMAILNET
     1-2 & 3-07 EMAILNET GSCS Resolution, Fast Track Property Tax bills
     12-15-06 EMAILNET Bills Held!
     11-14-06GSCS FYI EMAILNET - Spec Session Jt Comm Reports due out 11-15-06
     11-11-06 EMAILNET Special Session Legislative Committees report Nov. 14 or 15
     11-7-06 EMAILNET Special Education Categorical aid at risk and more
     10-21-06 EMAILNET Spec Session, press conference, GSCS board mtg inAtl. City
     10-5-06 EMAILNET
     9-22-06 EMAILNET
     9-20-06 EMAILNET Special Session news & testimonies
     9-15-06 EMAILNET Special Session; School Construction Report Released
     9-7-06 EMAILNET Special Session & Trenton Update
     8-31-06 EMAILNET re Sept 5 Jt Comm on Pub Schl Funding mtg
     7-21-06 GSCS QUICKNET
     8-24-06 EMAILNET Special Session Update
     8-18-06 EMAILNET
     8-2-06 EMAILNET Special Session fyi, more
     7-28-06 GSCS 'QUICKNET' direct from Trenton
     7-28-06 GSCS 'QUICKNET' from Trenton on Special Session
     7-27-06 GSCS 'QUICKNET' Property Tax Session info
     7-14-06 EMAILNET
     7-11-06 EMAILNET FYI
     7-7-06 EMAILNET - AGREEMENT ON STATE BUDGET REACHED, impt 'details' still being finalized
     6-29-06 GSCS 'QUICKNET FYI' Update on State Budget for FY 2007
     6-22-06 EMAILNET on the Homepage today
     6-12-06 EMAILNET - Extraordinary Special Education student aid; FY07 Budget 'crunch' is on; news clips
     6-6-06 EMAILNET On the Homepage today
     6-2-06 EMAILNET
     5-16-06 EMAILNET Action in Trenton
     5-10-06 EMAILNET
     5-5-06 EMAILNET
     4-26-06 EMAILNET Member Question 6-8 Rally
     4-24-06 EMAILNET
     4-17-06 EMAILNET
     4-11-06 EMAILNET FYI Hompage...your help requested
     3-29-06 EMAILNET State Budget FY07 Hearings Update
     3-24-06 EMAILNET FYI Update on Gov Corzine's Budget FY07
     3-23-06 EMAILNET Corzine says some Abbotts can raise taxes
     3-22-06 EMAILNET Governor Corzine's Budget Message
     3-10-06 EMAILNET On the Homepage Today
     3-9-06 EMAILNETto South Jersey districts
     3-7-06 Articles on Gov's Budget Summit and School Board members off to Trenton
     3-7-06 EMAILNET S1701 Call to Action at Gov Corzine Public Hearing
     3-3-06 EMAILNET Budget discussions begin in earnest
     3-3-06 EMAILNET Budget Discussions begin in earnest
     3-1-06 EMAILNET State Budget FY07, Health Benefits
     2-1-06 EMAILNET GSCS Advocacy FY07 Budget; On the Homepage Today
     1-19-06 EMAILNET Quick Facts, On the Homepage Today
     1-5-06 EMAILNET Revised: Quick Facts, State Board Legal Committee school funding decision, legislative update
     12-16-05 EMAILNET
     12-12-05 EMAILNET Bills move out of Assembly Education Committee
     12-3-05 EMAILNET Heads Up!
     11-28-05 S1701 EMAILNET Alert
     11-15-05 EMAILNET
     11-10-05 [REISSUE] EMAILNET Update on S1701
     11-8-05 EMAILNET You are invited to December 7 Symposium on School Funding
     11-1-05 EMAILNET More information on Gubernatorial Candidates
     10-28-05 EMAILNET S1701 resignation, Gubernatorial election information
     10-20-14 EMAILNET At the top of the GSCS Home Page Today
     10-14-05 EMAILNET Parent question for Gubernatorial Candidates aired on 101.5 debate, SCC funds, Next Board meeting, press briefing notes
     9-29-05 EMAILNET School Construction Issues
     9-23-05 EMAILNET Follow Up Parents in Trenton Press Conference
     8-30-05 EMAILNET Invitation to Parents in Trenton Press Conference
     9-9-05 EMAILNET
     7-29-05 EMAILNET
     7-14-05 EMAILNET School Aid Inequity & S1701 amendments update
     7-8-05 EMAILNET GSCS Take on the Assembly Passing of A3680Cryan, an S1701 amendment bill
     6-29-05 EMAILNET re State Budget FY06
     EMAILNET 6-24-05 GSCS Positions: State Budget FY06 Issues Need Resolving
     EMAILNET 6-10-05 SchoolConstruction Heads Up
     Read Parent Call to Action Letter
     6-17-05 EMAILNET [2] School Construction continued
     6-17-05 EMAILNET FY06 Budget & Advocay Update, Quick Facts
     EMAILNET 6-10-05 School Construction Funding Heads Up!
     EMAILNET 6-8-05 Annual Meeting Advocacy - FY06 info - Quick Facts - more
     Star Ledger June 3 2005
     Associated Press on Annual Meeting, 6-4-05: In the Homestretch Candidates Talk Education Issues
     GSCS 14th Annual Breakfast Meeting 6-3-05 AGENDA
     EMAILNET 5-27-05FY06 Legislator Budget Question; A451 State Health Benefits Plan Waiver for Dual Spouse Coverage GSCS Supports ....
     5-18-2005
     5-6-05 EMAILNET Rumson S1701 Meeting; Legislative News...More
     4-21-05 Annual Breakfast Meeting June 3 Sign Up
     Emailnet 4-14-05
     4-14-05 EMAILNET
     4-8-2005
     3-29-2005
     3-24-2005
     3-11-2005
     3-1-2005
     2-21-2005
     2-7-2005
     1-27-2005
     1-26-2005
     1-24-2005
     1-14-2005
     1-9-2005
     1-5-2005
     11-30-2004
     11-19-2004
     11-12-2004
     10-29-2004
     10-26-2004
     10-15-2004
     10-14-2004
     10-5-2004
     9-30-04
     9-7-04
     8-30-04
     8-06-04
     7-08-04
     6-29-2004
     2003-2004 School Year Archive
     2002-2003 School Year Archive
7-31-07 EMAILNET Status of School Funding Formula, more
GSCS on Current ‘Holding Pattern’ Status of School Funding Formula discussion - The Department of Education has been holding ‘stakeholder’ meetings that are ‘topic-oriented’ to some of the issues inherent in a school funding formula. To date these meetings have been

(1) Review of costing-out study process/April,

(2) Transportation (while property taxes had been listed as a topic, that discussed was removed from the table on the day of the meeting. So far, there is no reschedule for a discussion on property taxes, one of the central issues in a school funding formula),

(3) Charter schools, Choice, and Vo-Techs, and

(4) early childhood education.

Summary: These meetings allow for a limited discussion of the issues as presented by the Commissioner and staff; at this point, they have not garnered the give-and-take hard conversation that is needed to move the formula discussion forward to practical bill form. In addition, when talk is centered on the part without a real picture or idea of the whole, there is no sense of having an exchange that is ‘grounded’ in reality. Until this next step occurs there remains a sense of the potential for a formula being delayed, certainly until past the November elections, but further, into another year(s). While the Governor continues to reiterate his commitment to enacting a new formula by the end of the year, in lame duck session, there are repeated signals from legislators that this will not happen.

Schools, and their towns, are now entering the 7th year without a predictable, stable and fair system of school aid. Let your newspaper editors, your legislators, this fall’s candidates for legislative office and the Governor know what your feelings are about this continued postponement that demonstrates lack of regard for quality public education – and community stability via local property tax overreliance - by the leadership of the state of New Jersey.

GARDEN STATE COALITION OF SCHOOLS/GSCS

EMAILNET 7-31-07

GSCS on State’s School Funding Formula Process

gscs2000@gmail.com                                              www.gscschools.org      


GSCS Quick FactThere is no August Board of Trustees Meeting … the next Board of Trustees meeting will be held September 26, 2007 3:30 at the East Brunswick Board of Education. For 2007-2008 GSCS Calendar, click on ‘Board Information’ link on sidebar/left. GSCS continues its work on its own school funding ‘white paper’ ….

 

GSCS on Current ‘Holding Pattern’ Status of School Funding Formula discussion

 

The Department of Education has been holding ‘stakeholder’ meetings that are ‘topic-oriented’ to some of the issues inherent in a school funding formula. To date these meetings have been

 

(1) Review of costing-out study process/April,

 

(2) Transportation (while property taxes had been listed as a topic, that discussed was removed from the table on the day of the meeting. So far, there is no reschedule for a discussion on property taxes, one of the central issues in a school funding formula),  

 

(3) Charter schools, Choice, and Vo-Techs, and

 

(4) early childhood education.

 

Summary: These meetings allow for a limited discussion of the issues as presented by the Commissioner and staff; at this point, they have not garnered the give-and-take hard conversation that is needed to move the formula discussion forward to practical bill form. In addition, when talk is centered on the part without a real picture or idea of the whole, there is no sense of having an exchange that is ‘grounded’ in reality. Until this next step occurs there remains a sense of the potential for a formula being delayed, certainly until past the November elections, but further, into another year(s).  While the Governor continues to reiterate his commitment to enacting a new formula by the end of the year, in lame duck session, there are repeated signals from legislators that this will not happen.

 

Schools, and their towns, are now entering the 7th year without a predictable, stable and fair system of school aid. Let your newspaper editors, your legislators, this fall’s candidates for legislative office and the Governor know what your feelings are about this continued postponement that demonstrates lack of regard for quality public  education – and community stability via local property tax overreliance -  by the leadership of the state of New Jersey.

 

 

On the GSCS homepage today, for details, go to www.gscschools.org

 

8-2-07 Editorial 'Reliance on property taxes must be fixed'
Courier Post - Reliance on property taxes must be fixed "...Our elected officials in Trenton -- Gov. Jon Corzine and legislators -- have to make fixing the school-funding formula their top priority. If they don't, this state's oppressive property taxes will continue to drive people away from New Jersey. What's happening in Haddon Heights will continue to happen in other communities across the s'tate.
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ANOTHER BIG CAMPAIGN ISSUE - A NEW SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA
By David Rebovich - July 5, 2007 on Politicsnj.com 9:26am "...Governor Jon Corzine sees the practice (asset monetization) as a way to rescue state government...However, no matter what happens with asset monetization, there's another big issue that lawmakers may also not deal with until addressing until after the election, and citizens should be concerned about this as well. That issue is a new school funding formula..."
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PDF listing wtih 2008 legislative candidate addresses found at NJ Div of Elections Website
NJ STATE ASSEMBLY CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 2007 BALLOT: http://www.nj.gov/oag/elections/2007results/07primary-election/07-primary-election-general-assembly-candidate-tallies-6.6.07.pdf

NJ STATE SENATE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 2007 BALLOT: http://www.nj.gov/oag/elections/2007results/07primary-election/07-primary-election-state-senate-candidates-tallies-6.6.07.pdf

These lists are from the NJ Division of Elections website. The list of candidates are winners of the June 07 primary elections.

*Denotes Incumbents.

Lists found at: NJ DIVISION OF ELECTIONS - WEBSITE PDFs LISTS LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES FOR 2008 office; ADDRESSS INFORMATION INCLUDED. http://www.nj.gov/oag/elections/2007results/2007-primaryelectionunofficial_results.html
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GSCS ADVOCACY PACKET re NEED FOR NEW SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA NOW
Click on More below to see GSCS PARENT AND COMMUNITY ACTION PACKET on the need for the state to fulfill its stated commitment to bring forth a new school funding formula that can improve the educational and financial well-being for schools and communities throught New Jersey. Included in the packet is an explanation about the 'why' a new formula is needed, as well as a sample letter-to-the-editor (for local and statewide newspapers), and a letter to legislators/and legislative candidates. FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE, AT THE LINK ON THE SIDEBAR "FIND YOUR LEGISLATOR" THERE IS A LISTING OF LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES, INCUMBENTS AND NON-INCUMBENTS, THAT ARE RUNNING FOR OFFICE THIS NOVEMBER.Remember - all elected offices are open this fall in both the state Senate and Assembly. Those seeking election need to hear your concerns and to respond those concerns during their campaigns. Tell GSCS of your feedback and we will track the responses. Take advantage of this opportunity to be heard. YOUR VOICES ARE NEEDED!
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COUNCIL ON LOCAL MANDATES 'ELIMINATES' DOE spec ed 'AGE SPAN' reg 7-26
IN THE MATTER OF COMPLAINTS FILED BY THE SPECIAL SERVICES SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF

BURLINGTON, ATLANTIC, CAPE MAY, AND BERGEN COUNTIES

Council on Local Mandates

...(“Claimants”) filed Complaints with the Council contending that a Department of Education regulation, N.J.A.C. 6A:14-4.7(a)(2), violates the constitutional prohibition against new unfunded mandates, Article VIII, Section 2, paragraph 5 of the New Jersey Constitution, as codified in the Local Mandates Act (“LMA”). The challenged regulation reduces the maximum age span in elementary school special education classes from four years to three, which Claimants allege will require them to incur additional direct expense for new teachers, classrooms and supplies...

[17] As a result of the within decision, the claims raised in the six Complaints held by the Council in abeyance (see footnote 2 above) are rendered moot and are hereby dismissed, with no need for further proceedings pursuant to Rule 9 of the Council’s Rules of Procedure.
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UPDATED - GSCS Membership Questions, FAQ's etc., see 'Board Information' sidebar left

8-1-07 'Paterson isn't ready to gain control' & 7-29 'The Numbers still don't add up'
STAR LEDGER - 8-1-07 Grim report indicates Paterson isn't ready to regain school control More than 15 years after the state takeover of Paterson schools, the district still has problems in its bookkeeping, cannot ensure teachers are properly certified and, until this year, didn't have an updated curriculum...And that's the appraisal from the state itself.

7-29-07 'The numbers still don't add up' ... "In spite of major changes, three Newark schools fall short of federal (NCLB) requirements..."
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7-27-07 Retiree health costs 'time bomb'
The Record - Retiree health costs 'time bomb' for N.J. "If New Jersey taxpayers had to pay off the cost of health benefits for retired state workers and teachers in one fell swoop today, the bill would ring up at $58 billion. But look on the bright side: It's a lot less than the $78 billion that was previously estimated..."
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7-26-07 Education Law Center on school funding reform via is subgroup report
This report by ELC's 'Our Children Our Schools' group is a good summary of the current status of Trenton and school funding formula issues and questions. However, GSCS notes that the concluding statement that it is better to get it (a formula) right, rather than fast is too simple a statement that skims over the complexity of the issue. In good faith, GSCS disagrees. Regular operating districts have not had the stability, funding, nor predictability of formula implementation since FY02. In order to actually get a formula in place, the legislature has to have a bill (proposed legislation)in hand before there can be any real viable and productive discussion on the Trenton's table. All that will indeed take time too before a final formula compromise is reached and effected. Delaying that debate in legislative form, especially post the 2008 elections, will likely put off any formula implementation for another couple of years. That would mean that NJ could be without a school funding formula for at least 8 years. The process needs to step up and it can be done.
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7-25-07 NY Times '2 NJ school districts regain some local control'
"After more than a decade under state control, the Newark and Jersey City public schools have improved enough to be allowed to take back some of their fiscal and management operations as a first step toward regaining local control, state education officials said yesterday..." "...Shelley Skinner, a Jersey City parent who in the spring started an advocacy group for better schools, said she was disappointed by the news..."
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7-25-07 Debate over School Tests
Star Ledger - Debate over school tests: What's being left behind? Focus on math, reading may hurt other subjects
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Recent education Research articles of note from Public Educ Network
"PUBLIC SCHOOLS MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE, AMERICANS SAY Americans believe public schools must be held accountable for properly educating children and give the No Child Left BehindAct (NCLB) high marks for its goals, but also think NCLB needs dramatic changes.....The public voice must be part of th process used by policymakers if they want to be trusted on behalf of the nation's children."

HOW SCHOOLS GET IT RIGHT Whether they are in wealthy or poor neighborhoods, schools with lots of high-scoring students share certain characteristics. They have experienced teachers who stay for years, reports Liz Bowie in the Baltimore Sun, and they offer extracurricular activities after school. Sometimes, they have many students in gifted-and-talented classes working with advanced material. These are the schools that families looking for a great public education will seek out and move close to because students are achieving far beyond the basic levels set by state and federal laws.
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