Quality Public Education for All New Jersey Students

 

 
     1-12-10 Moving on...'Budget plan a wrinkle for districts'
     1-11-10 Transition News
     1-5-10 GSCS: Update on January 4 Lame Duck Session
     1-6-10 Race to the Top Plans on the move, not without conflict
     12-27-09 'New Jersey competes for education reform stimulus money' (aka 'Race to the Top' funds)
     12-23-09 Gannett article provides details on Gov. Corzine's proposal to use additional surplus in place of state aid
     12-23-09 GSCS: Governor Corzine targets excess school surplus to replace state aid payments starting in Feb '10 - lame duck legislation anticipated
     10-20-09 REMINDER: Commissioner Davy to be at 10-28 GSCS meeting in Atlantic City
     9-13-09 As an issue for N.J.(Gubernatorial election), schools are in'
     7-22-09 'State gives extra aid for schools an extraordinary boost'
     6-19-09 a.m. GSCS 'Quick' FYI - State Budget Vote delayed to Thursday, June 25
     6-16-09 News from Trenton on State Budget in Senate and Assembly Budget Committees yesterday
     APPROPRIATIONS ACT FY2009-1020 as introduced
     A4100-S2010 Appropriations Act 'Scoresheet' and Language Changes released
     6-10-09 Education Week on Abbott Decision
     6-9-09 COMMENTARY on Supreme Court Abbott school funding decisio
     5-27-09 GSCS 18th ANNUAL MEETING - All INVITED GUESTS HAVE CONFIRMED, INCLUDING GOVERNOR CORZINE
     5-19-09 Treasurer David Rousseau announces additional round of cuts to Gov's proposed State Budget FY2009-2010
     4-5-09 The Record, Sunday April 5, Front Page Opinion
     3-29-09 Record Editorial on Judge Doyne recommendations
     3-16-09 EMAILNET
     3-11-09 CORZINE BUDGET ADDRESS: STATE FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS A LITTLE MORE NOT LESS - FEDERAL TITLE 1 & IDEA INCREASES YET TO BE COUNTED - STATE SCHOOL AID FIGURES ON DEPT OF ED WEBSITE 1:30 TODAY - RELATED ARTICLES, MORE...
     3-10-09 GOVERNOR TO DELIVER STATE BUDGET MESSAGE TODAY - SCHOOL AID FIGURES TO BE RELEASED BY THURSDAY LATEST
     2-24-09 State Budget & Stimulus News of Note
     2-19-09 Federal stimulus - information re: Education funding in 'State Fiscal Stabilization' part of the package
     1-16-09 Today's news notes state budget waiting on Obama stimulus package
     1-11-09 'Corzine State of State speech to put economy front & center'
     12-28-08 NY Times 'Pension Fight Signals What Lies Ahead'
     12-29-08 NJ to new leaders - Fund our schools
     12-23-08 Governor faces hard choices in the New Year
     12-21-08 GSCS EMAILNET - Excerpts
     11-18-08 Ledger Online & 11-19 Star Ledger headline news
     11-18-08 Supreme Court decides in favor of Abbott districts re new school funding law
     11-5-08 Gov. Corzine U.S. Treasury Secretary?
     11-5-08 Governor Corzine candidate for Secretary of U.S. Treasury per Ledger report
     Conversation with the Commissioner in Atlantic City
     Education Commissioner Lucille Davy at GSCS Open Mtg 10-29 in A.C.
     9-24-08 Supreme Court hearing on constitutionality of School Funding Reform Act
     8-29-08 'Newly hired teachers benefit from Corzine delay'
     12-3-07 As details become clearer on the new funding plan, GSCS will report on its emerging position
     11-20-07 RELEASE OF NEW SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA LIKELY TO BE DELAYED UNTIL AFTER THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
     11-16-07 Governor Corzine's remarks on school funding to League of Municipalities
     11-8-07 Governor & Legislative leadership agree to take up - and pass - funding formula in Lame Duck
     10-23 Media reports & Trenton responses to date re GSCS Press Conf
     9-29-07 The New York Times - Patience with Corzine Wears Thin
     10-10-07 Key Questions for Legislative Candidates
     10-12-07 Coach Corzine's tactic to win the game? Punt
     In the news - Corzine on school aid formula & good news for urban schools
     9-13-07Corzine adds school aid to the lame-duck agenda
     8-10-07 'Standing 'O' greets Corzine as he hosts town hall mtg'
     8-1-07 'Paterson isn't ready to gain control' & 7-29 'The Numbers still don't add up'
     4-4-07 News articles, editorial & Op-Ed on bill signings for A1 and A4
     3-25-07 New York Times on NJ Comparative Spending Guide, more on Gov putting off signing A1, Tax Caps & Rebate bill
     3-22-07 THINGS CHANGE...Governor Corzine delays A1 becoming law
     3-21-07 The Tax Cap-Credit bill, A1, can become law by Friday without Governor's signature
     3-1-07 Emerging Devil showing up in the details
     2-23-07 News Articles re Gov's Budget Proposal
     2-22-07 GSCS EMAILNET re Gov's Budget Message
     2-22-07 Governor Corzine's Budget Message today
     2-16 to 2-19 New Articles of Note
     2-14-07 GSCS letter to Gov Corzine & Commr of Education Davy - Request for State Aid FY0708
     2-12-07 State School Aid - needed to offset property taxes now
     2-9-07 GSCS EMAILNET MEMBER FYI on Trenton legislation Action
     2-8-07 News artiles-editorial re Gov's annoucnement that there will not be a new school funding formula for FY0708
     2-7-07 School funding, school audits - need for new formula underscored
     2-6-07 Trenton Update - S19 Super Supt passes Senate; Tax Cap bill stalled; No funding formula in FY0708
     2-1-07 Turnpike for sale, Gov - need funding formula, more
     1-30-07 'Is Property Tax Plan Legal?'
     1-30-07 Tax Caps bill, A1, passes Assembly late last night
     1-25-07 GSCS: No School Aid = No Real Tax Relief...again
     1-24-07 Quinnipiac Poll & School Construction woes for Corzine
     1-21-07 Gannett article on 'property tax credit, annual cap vote due'
     Trenton Update Jan 9-Jan 15, Gov's State of the State, more
     1-8-07 Articles & Editorial talk about 'missing pieces' of tax reform proposal and note consequences
     1-7-06 GSCS & HARD CAPS & IMPORTANT PIECES OF THE PUZZLE STILL MISSING
     GSCS RESOLUTION FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2007
     1-5-07 Small-town officials protest consolidation
     1-2-07 GSCS New Year's Resolution
     12-19-06 Feedback - articles on school funding hearings yesterday
     12-18-06 Sunday editorials - take of Property Tax session
     12-15-06 EMAILNET Bills Held!
     12-11-06 Trenton is in disarray - read news clip
     12-8 & 12-9 News clips on Trenton machinations...
     11-19-06 Sunday Press Articles & Commentaries
     11-16-06 Governor Corzine's speech on Property Tax Address to League of Municipalities
     11-10-06 NJ education chief vows urban support
     11-11-06 EMAILNET Special Session Legislative Committees report Nov. 14 or 15
     11-9-06 Public hearing on school consolidation tonight, 7 pm, at Freehold Borough Chambers, 51 Main St
     11-9-06 Public hearing on school consolidation tonight, 7 pm, in Freehold
     11-6-06 The need for special education funding to stay as a 'categorical' aid based on each students disability is real
     11-4-06 Senate President & Assembly Speaker 'no new taxes'
     10-25-06 Details on Corzine Administration's new funding formula starting to emerge
     10-5-06 EMAILNET
     10-5-06 Conversation on school funding, consolidation continues
     School Construction: Third Report to Governor by Interagency Working Group
     9-15-06 Star Ledger & AP - 3.25B suggested for school construction
     9-15-06 Star Ledger - 3.25B suggested for school construction
     August 2006 on - GSCS NOTEBOARD ON SPECIAL SESSION Committee meetings
     7-29-06 School Funding formula draws mixed reactions
     7-28-06 Gov to legislature: make history, cut taxes
     7-27-06 Trenton begins its move to address property taxes
     7-16-06 Lead economists address NJ's economy downswing
     7-12-06 Column on State Budget legislator items
     7-14-06 EMAILNET
     7-12-06 It's Official - Governor appoints Lucille Davy as Education Commissioner
     7-11-06 Talk of Special Session on Property Tax Reform
     7-9&10-06 State Budget news articles -wrap up & news analyses
     7-9-06 Sunday New York Times
     7-8-06 FY07 Budget approved - 19.5 in spec ed grants stays in
     7-7-06 EMAILNET - AGREEMENT ON STATE BUDGET REACHED, impt 'details' still being finalized
     7-7-06 AGREEMENT ON STAE BUDGET REACHED, impt 'details' still being finalized
     7-3-06 Roberts, Codey & Corzine still not on same page
     6-30-06 State Budget news - as the dissonance must be resolved
     6-29-06 Mirroring the elements, State Budget looking like a 'natural disaster'
     6-15-06 Star Ledger, Gannet articles- Abbott advocates demand school reform at educ. dept
     6-12-06 EMAILNET - Extraordinary Special Education student aid; FY07 Budget 'crunch' is on; news clips
     6-6-06 Legislative Leaders announce initial plans for property tax reform
     5-16-06 EMAILNET Action in Trenton
     5-10-06 A Lot is going on - Major News fromTrenton
     Gubernatorial Candidates' Education Plans announced September 05
     Governor Corzine takes steps towards major policy initiatives.
     4-8-07 Corzine Administration files brief with Supreme Court re Abbott funding
     4-7-07 The Record
     3-29-06 EMAILNET State Budget FY07 Hearings Update
     3-28-06 GSCS testimony before Assembly Budget Comm today
     3-24-06 EMAILNET FYI Update on Gov Corzine's Budget FY07
     3-23-06 Corzine says some Abbotts can raise taxes
     3-16-06 Gannett Press: Corzine wants to raise taxes, slash $2B
     Governor's Budget message 1 pm 3-21-06
     3-15-06 News articles on FY07
     3-10-06 Star Ledger 'Time is ripe for poorer districts to contribute.
     3-9-06 Governor speaks to S1701 at town meeting
     3-7-06 More articles on the Gov's Budget Summit and School Board members fo to Trenton
     3-7-06 Articles on Gov's Budget Summit and School Board members off to Trenton
     12-14-05 Asbury ParkPress Editorial 'Re-assess the ABC's of School Funding' notes the Governor's role is critical in making positive change occur
     Gubernatorial, Assembly District by District, County and Municipal voting breakdowns-results & formats for November 8 elections
     2-2-06 GSCS HEADS UP re probable delay of Governor's Budget Message
     Governor Corzine's Transition Team Reports
     1-19-06 EMAILNET Quick Facts, On the Homepage Today
     1-19-06 News Articles Trenton Times, The Record, Star Ledger
     1-18-06 Star Ledger
     Governor Corzine- Inaugural Address
     1-15-06 The Record 2 Sunday Articles anticipating top issues confronting the Corzine administration
     1-11-06 Star Ledger - Corzine Casts Wide Net for Cabinet
     12-14-05 Asbury ParkPress Editorial 'Re-assess the ABC's of School Funding'
     12-5-05 Governor-elect Corzine selects policy advisory groups
     11-20-05 Sunday Star Ledger 'Corzine's risky promise to taxpayers
     11-11-05 Trenton Times Corzine puts property taxes at the top of his agenda
     11-9-05 The Record - Governor Elect can't claim a mandate
     November 9 The Trenton Times - Corzine Triumphs
     9-9-05 Trenton Times,Corzine Education Agenda
Governor Corzine takes steps towards major policy initiatives.
Statement on holding Abbott funding flat for FY07 - files brief with Supreme Court, and Governor's Executive Order creating Government Efficiency & Reform Commission (see 'More' below for details). For Attorney General’s statement go to: http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/elcnews060410AttorneyGeneralStatement.pdf

The link to the full brief, which breaks new ground in several ways, is at the bottom of the Attorney General’s statement. GSCS is encouraged that in framing the funding issue in the bigger statewide picture, the Governor is taking the opportunity to inform the Court of the context of school funding for all districts; the brief also notes the firm intention of the Governor to develop a new funding formula that is responsive to individual student needs rather than based on resident community wealth. [Of particular note: see pages 11 – 24]. http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/elcnews060410AttorneyGeneralStatement.pdf

(see bottom of AG statement for link to Sup Ct brief)

Apr-07-06 Governor's Statement Regarding Education Funding

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Anthony Coley
Brendan Gilfillan – 609-777-2600


Governor's Statement Regarding Education Funding

"I am committed to making sure that the children of the State of New Jersey have the educational opportunities guaranteed to them under our Constitution. The State has an obligation to ensure that all children across the state receive a thorough and efficient education. Under my proposed budget, a significant investment is made in state aid for education. This investment will ensure that the needs of our students are met, as well as ensure that our students are prepared to face the challenges of the global economy.

"I am also committed to holding public, local and school officials accountable for their efforts. The Budget that I have recently proposed is fiscally stringent, and necessarily so. I have called upon State officials at all levels to reduce expenditures and to find ways to do more with less. They have been fully responsive to this call. I expect nothing less from local municipal and school officials.

"The provision of an educational program compliant with constitutional strictures in all school districts must be accompanied by appropriate protocols for accountability. Districts must be accountable for the receipt and use of public funds and for the progress of our children in passing assessments, graduating and becoming productive adults of this State. Only through the imposition of accountability protocols can the tools for productivity management and outcome measures be properly utilized. To this end, I am committed to a review of the entire school funding system -- one that will meet the needs of all students, including those in the Abbott districts. Ultimately, a new school funding formula needs to be developed that will ensure that State and local resources are applied not only in an equitable manner, but in such a way to maximize the potential of all students to achieve success.

"Our focus must be to get resources to the children, rather than to the districts. All disadvantaged students, no matter which district they attend, must have the benefit of sufficient fiscal resources to meet their needs. I believe with hard work and knowledgeable debate all of these goals can be met and a funding formula created that will be acceptable to all.

"In the meantime, I have asked the Attorney General to make the appropriate application to the Supreme Court in the Abbott case to restrain the growth in State aid to Abbott districts. This step in no way signals a change in my strong and passionate support for the constitutional right to a thorough and efficient system of public education. Rather, the application is a necessary part of this year's budget process given prior court rulings in the Abbott case."

 

 

_____________________________

 

Apr-07-06 Corzine Signs Executive Order Creating New Jersey Commission On Government Efficiency And Reform

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Anthony Coley
Brendan Gilfillan – 609-777-2600


Corzine Signs Executive Order Creating New Jersey Commission On Government Efficiency And Reform

TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed an Executive Order creating the New Jersey Commission on Government Efficiency and Reform to evaluate the budget, structure and organization of New Jersey's government. The Governor announced his intention to create this commission in his budget address of March 21, when he also announced Richard C. Leone as chairman.

"As I promised in my budget message, this commission will lead our efforts to re-engineer government to ensure that we provide the best services to the people of our state while minimizing costs," said Governor Corzine. "Experts from all walks of life will join in this effort to make sure New Jersey citizens are getting maximum value for their tax dollars."

The Commission will initially consist of 13 members who, along with concerned citizens, will evaluate every aspect of state government. They will seek out best practices from other states to increase accountability, find efficiencies and cost-saving measures and determine the efficacy of the current provision of services.

This comprehensive analysis will include a review of independent authorities, local school districts, state agencies and other governmental entities. Among the issues the commission will study are the benefits of regionalization and shared services, the operation of the state's Office of Information Technology, and the structure of New Jersey's state workforce.

Additionally, the Commission will study the accessibility and efficiency of higher education in New Jersey.

The Commission will provide the Governor with an initial report after three months and will issue reports on an ongoing basis.

Leone, formerly Governor Corzine's transition chairman, currently heads the Century Foundation. Previously, Leone served as State Treasurer and as Commissioner and Chairman of the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey. He earned a Ph.D. from Princeton University and served as a member of their faculty.

###



EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 9

WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey is confronting a multi-billion dollar structural budget deficit; and

WHEREAS, all levels of government play a vital role in the economic life of New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative that services and programs throughout government be reevaluated and re-engineered in order to marshal and conserve all available resources, achieve the greatest measure of effectiveness, efficiency and cost-savings, and deliver the highest quality of governmental services; and

WHEREAS, cost-effective and functionally efficient government will benefit and enhance the State's economy, restore public confidence and allow for the continued delivery of vital programs; and

WHEREAS, as Governor, I have the responsibility and the authority to ensure that State government and its various agencies and instrumentalities operate as efficiently and as effectively as possible; and

WHEREAS, numerous State executive branch agencies and independent authorities administer aid and grant programs that provide billions of dollars in funding to county and local governments and school districts; and

WHEREAS, as Governor I have the obligation to ensure that the county and local governments and school districts that receive these State funds operate as efficiently and as effectively as possible; and

WHEREAS, it is essential that all government operations in New Jersey, including executive branch agencies, state and local independent authorities, local and county governments, and school districts, be subjected to a comprehensive, unsparing and searching examination; and

WHEREAS, such a review can ably be conducted by individuals drawn from a wide variety of walks of life, who possess the expertise, experience and skills to evaluate how government can most effectively meet the numerous demands placed on it;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JON S. CORZINE, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. There is hereby established the New Jersey Commission on Government Efficiency and Reform pursuant to Art. V, Sec. IV, par. 1 of the New Jersey Constitution.

2. The Commission shall evaluate the budget, structure and organization of government in New Jersey, including State agencies, instrumentalities and independent authorities, local and county government and school districts, and advise the Governor on governmental restructuring, effectiveness, best practices, efficiencies, cost-saving measures, and how best to achieve economies of scale in the delivery of services and programs, at the lowest possible cost, consistent with mission and quality.

3. In its evaluation and examination of any aspect of government in New Jersey or its current structure, the Commission shall identify any measures that will bring enhanced economy, efficiency and accountability to government operations, including, but not limited to:

a. the organization, operation and performance of State agencies, instrumentalities and authorities;

b. the organization and delivery of effective and efficient services across all levels of governments;

c. the need for and benefits of regionalization or consolidation of local and county governments, publicly funded school programs and school districts and the services they provide;

d. the organization and administration of New Jersey's public workforce;

e. the operations of the Office of Information Technology and the procurement, provision, maintenance, and supervision of information technology by State government;

f. the accessibility, design and efficiency of higher education in New Jersey;

g. the organization of the Department of Human Services, in light of its complex roles, functions and emerging responsibilities; and

h. any other matter related to the organization, structure and administration of government that is likely to deliver better and higher levels of service at the lowest possible cost.

4. The Commission shall be composed of 13 individuals with expertise in government, business, labor and education who will be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Chair of the Commission shall be designated by the Governor and shall serve as Chair at his pleasure. The Governor shall also appoint, in the same manner, additional members with expertise and experience in government, higher education, labor and the private sector, as needed, to sub-groups, which will focus in depth on any of the above-listed items or related matters, as requested by the Commission, and will report back to the Commission as required.

5. The Commission is authorized to call upon any department, office, division or agency of this State to supply it with data and any other information, personnel or other assistance available to such agency as the Commission deems necessary to discharge its duties under this Order. Each department, office, division or agency of this State is hereby required, to the extent not inconsistent with law, to cooperate fully with the Commission within the limits of its statutory authority and to furnish it with such assistance on as timely a basis as is necessary to accomplish the purpose of this Order. The Commission may consult with experts or other knowledgeable individuals in the public or private sector on any aspect of its mission.

6. The Commission shall deliver an initial report to the Governor within three months of its first meeting. Additional reports shall be delivered on an ongoing basis in the course of the Commission's work.

7. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this day of , Two Thousand and Six, and of the Independence of the United States, the Two Hundred and Thirtieth.

Jon S. Corzine

Governor



Attest:

Stuart Rabner

Chief Counsel to the Governor