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11-6-07 GSCS Parent Advocates help clarify election issues...the Millburn Example
YOUR VOTES COUNT! GSCS Parent Advocates help clarify the issues: The Millburn Example The Advocates for Education have had the unique opportunity to speak with Senator Tom Kean and Gina Genovese, the Republican and Democratic candidates to represent Millburn in the NJ State Senate. We are providing you with a summary of the current issues facing our school district and the candidates’ responses to our questions regarding these current issues. We hope you find this information helpful in deciding who to vote for in tomorrow’s election. Polls are open from 6am to 8pm. 1. Issue: The Department of Education is currently considering revising the special education funding from a per head formula to one that is wealth-based. This change could dramatically reduce the amount of state aid Millburn receives for special educa tion purposes. Since we are required by state law to provide essential services to the affected students, this change could adversely impact our general education programs. Question: Do you support changing the current per-child special education funding to a wealth-based formula? Tom Kean: He is “dramatically opposed” to switching to a wealth-based formula and as a member of the Joint Commission On Public Schools, he has actively spoken to the Commissioner of Education about maintaining the per head basis for special education funding. Gina Genovese: She would not support changing to a wealth-based formula. In addition, she feels the state must uphold the mandate that the state pay anything over $40,000 per child for special education expenses. 2. Issue: Millburn receives a minimum amount of state aid for its schools and the state has not revised its school funding formula for many years. Given state budget restraints and the 4% limit placed on property tax increases, what sources of revenue do you suggest for adequately funding our schools? Tom Kean: He voted against the 4% cap. He believes all districts should receive a minimum of 15% state aid, significantly more than the amount Millburn currently receives. The state should reevaluate the designation of Abbott districts, as there has been influx of wealthier residents into certain Abbott dist ricts, e.g. Ho boken. In addition, communities such as Jersey City, are known for giving incentives to builders and businesses moving into the community by excluding them from having to pay school taxes. Altering these policies could be a revenue source. He also wants to stem the exodus of citizens so that New Jersey's tax base remains broad. Gina Genovese: She feels budget caps just “point the finger” and are a way to name a scapegoat. She would consider revoking the 4% cap, as she saw its negative effects as Mayor of Long Hill Township. Additionally, she thinks Abbott districts, which receive the largest amount of state education aid, need to be reevaluated and need greater oversight. She said the state and legislature must look for additional revenue sources. She noted that certain items, such as tolls on the Turnpike, h ave not increased in years, and that the Turnpike is a good way of collecting revenue from non-residents, who comprise 60% of Turnpike users. The Advocates appreciate the time the Candidates took to share their views with us. ADVOCATES FOR EDUCATION--committed to informing the public about issues that affect quality education.
YOUR VOTES COUNT! GSCS Parent Advocates help clarify the issues: The Millburn Example The Advocates for Education have had the unique opportunity to speak with Senator Tom Kean and Gina Genovese, the Republican and Democratic candidates to represent Millburn in the NJ State Senate. We are providing you with a summary of the current issues facing our school district and the candidates’ responses to our questions regarding these current issues. We hope you find this information helpful in deciding who to vote for in tomorrow’s election. Polls are open from 6am to 8pm. 1. Issue: The Department of Education is currently considering revising the special education funding from a per head formula to one that is wealth-based. This change could dramatically reduce the amount of state aid Millburn receives for special educa tion purposes. Since we are required by state law to provide essential services to the affected students, this change could adversely impact our general education programs. Question: Do you support changing the current per-child special education funding to a wealth-based formula? Tom Kean: He is “dramatically opposed” to switching to a wealth-based formula and as a member of the Joint Commission On Public Schools, he has actively spoken to the Commissioner of Education about maintaining the per head basis for special education funding. Gina Genovese: She would not support changing to a wealth-based formula. In addition, she feels the state must uphold the mandate that the state pay anything over $40,000 per child for special education expenses. 2. Issue: Millburn receives a minimum amount of state aid for its schools and the state has not revised its school funding formula for many years. Given state budget restraints and the 4% limit placed on property tax increases, what sources of revenue do you suggest for adequately funding our schools? Tom Kean: He voted against the 4% cap. He believes all districts should receive a minimum of 15% state aid, significantly more than the amount Millburn currently receives. The state should reevaluate the designation of Abbott districts, as there has been influx of wealthier residents into certain Abbott dist ricts, e.g. Ho boken. In addition, communities such as Jersey City, are known for giving incentives to builders and businesses moving into the community by excluding them from having to pay school taxes. Altering these policies could be a revenue source. He also wants to stem the exodus of citizens so that New Jersey's tax base remains broad. Gina Genovese: She feels budget caps just “point the finger” and are a way to name a scapegoat. She would consider revoking the 4% cap, as she saw its negative effects as Mayor of Long Hill Township. Additionally, she thinks Abbott districts, which receive the largest amount of state education aid, need to be reevaluated and need greater oversight. She said the state and legislature must look for additional revenue sources. She noted that certain items, such as tolls on the Turnpike, h ave not increased in years, and that the Turnpike is a good way of collecting revenue from non-residents, who comprise 60% of Turnpike users. The Advocates appreciate the time the Candidates took to share their views with us. ADVOCATES FOR EDUCATION--committed to informing the public about issues that affect quality education.
