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Read to find out GSCS' thinking on school funding issues confronting NJ today and GSCS' agenda in forthcoming months ahead... "Dear GSCS Members, These are difficult times for many of us as we deal with NJ school funding. GSCS continues to analyze the impact of the 2008 School Funding Reform Act on our member districts, as well as on education in general in New Jersey. We are organized to take whatever appropriate, effective course of action is needed to bring about positive change for all NJ districts..."
GARDEN STATE COALITION OF SCHOOLS/GSCS
210 West State Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08608
Dear GSCS Members:
These are difficult times for many of us as we deal with NJ school funding. GSCS continues to analyze the impact of the 2008 School Funding Reform Act (SFRA) on our member districts, as well as on education in general in New Jersey. We are organized to take whatever appropriate, effective course of action is needed to bring about positive change for all NJ districts.
The funding formula is a brand new law. It is still in the legislative arena now and is a legislative issue. While the formula does need amending, we also appreciate that a number of districts throughout the state, including some GSCS members, have benefited from the state’s actions so far. Not only are schools among the few areas not being cut in the Governor’s proposed budget, they are receiving increased aid overall. Also, parts of the formula have the ability to impact districts more fairly in the near future.
We anticipate developing and promoting specific amendments— hopefully in the near future— that are based on the experiences and specific suggestions of our member districts.
• We are advocating for immediate release by the DOE of regulations for implementation of the funding formula, and related laws passed last year. The waiver process must be vetted openly and challenged where necessary.
• We believe the formula treats all districts the same and does not recognize fiscal prudence, efficiency, effectiveness and achievement. Attaining the state’s educational and fiscal goals is not honored or rewarded in the formula, to the disservice to many of our member districts.
• We are concerned that the formula does not provide any financial help, seed money or cap waivers for districts that would like to provide full-day kindergarten, but cannot because of space and fiscal constraints. Full-day kindergartens are endorsed by the state and will be needed by districts required to provide full-day pre-school programs.
• GSCS is reaching out to work with special education groups on funding issues that affect all districts, such as the equalization of special education aid and the impact of the census approach on funding.
• We continue to work towards Legislative change regarding the 60% majority needed for the passage of second questions.
• GSCS supports legislation that will not require a public vote on those school budgets at or under the state cap.
- The expansion of the Commissioner’s powers, extended via the new offices of Executive County Superintendent, pose questions that pit local control v. state authority, such as possibly mandating school consolidation. GSCS is focused on this new structure authorized under A4, which became law last spring 2007.
GSCS believes in keeping its options open, including bringing important information before the courts, if necessary. However, at this time GSCS, along with many major NJ education associations, feels that legal action is premature and has potential for downside. In fact, the NJSBA was supportive overall of the law, and the NJEA fully supports the SFRA. GSCS has been consistent in having major concerns while finding parts of the proposal positive, such as it is a unified formula, one that has brought aid to many districts that were underfunded in the past. Unity at this time is a priority, one that keeps focus and moves positive change most effectively.
Since at this time impact of the SFRA remains hypothetical, the Supreme Court is likely to give due deference to the Governor and the Legislature and wait to see how the State addresses the budget crisis and how future school funding plays out under the implementation of the SFRA. Many of the unpopular changes in school finance are not a result of the new funding formula, but rather of A-4 and A-5 (e.g., waiver process, 60% vote passage required for second questions, the new powers and role of the Executive County Superintendent), which were passed last year. They won’t be relevant in the current legal arguments before the Supreme Court based on constitutionality issues.
Please let GSCS know of any other difficulties the new funding formula has presented to your district, as well as your suggestions for amendments. We invite you to share your thoughts with us at gscs2000@gmail.com and to keep informed and connected by visiting the GSCS website (www.gscschools.org).
We request that you share this letter with your Board of Education members and others in your district with an interest in keeping education strong.
Thank you for your support, we look forward to your input as always,
The Garden State Coalition Executive Board of Trustees
Daniel Fishbein (Glen Ridge), President
Jim O’Neill (School District of the Chathams), President-Elect
Linda Nelson (Scotch Plains-Fanwood), Vice-President
Lynn Biehn (Haddonfield), Vice President
