| Author | Message | ||
     Nohero |
Today's Star-Ledger indicates that, in the midst of the State's overall increases in aid to school districts, South Orange-Maplewood will receive an increase of 0.0%. That is not a typo. Other more "needy" districts (such as Millburn) will receive actual increases. I think there is a real need for the Board of Education and the Superintendant to communicate to the citizens of the district concerning the funding situation. Perhaps a column in the "News-Wretched" next week, explaining the programs and the factors, and what happened. We need something more than the types of explanations which are given by Dr. Horoschak or Mr. Rosenberg at the Board of Education meetings. In light of the fact that the budget process is under way, and that there may be some serious choices to be made with respect to the budget, it is very important that some forthright communication begin now. I don't think this is a matter of "going down to Trenton" for some "stunt funding". This is a matter of informing the public of: 1) What the existing funding sources and standards are; 2) What factors were used by the state in deciding on the funding amount for SO-M; 3) What steps are being considered to improve the funding situation under existing standards; 4) What changes to the funding provisions might be helpful for SO-M. This is a community of intelligent, skilled, resourceful, and (especially) motivated individuals. A little more effort on the part of the district to communicate clearly and directly would benefit us all. | ||
| Jur050 |
You stand a much better chance of receiving funding when you ask for it! Are our elected officials from the TC and BOE asking? Nohero, "Stunt funding," as you call it, is better than No Funding! It's obvious we're not getting any money from this. May I ask why not? | ||
| Nohero |
Mr. Jur - I knew you were going to say that. In case you read my entire post, I am in fact asking the responsible body, the BOE, to advise the community with respect to how this situation came to be, and about ideas and plans to correct this situation. I think that this community is capable of having a reasonable discussion of this issue, if the BOE is willing to keep everyone informed. And no, one-time "stunts" are not what we need. Reform of education funding on the state level is what we need (but then, you knew that I was going to say that). | ||
| Jur050 |
One time, what are you talking about? One time! In order to get those funds you have to be consistent, and persistent, in your approach. As far as it being a "stunt," (your word not mine) I disagree. When asked why, Willie Sutton robbed banks, he said, "because that is where the money is." It's obvious our Township doesn't have the funds, the state does! Go to where the money is! | ||
| Tracks |
How can it be possible that Milburn gets an increase? There has to be more to it than asking for it. That is criminal. Livingston got more too. Maybe the secret is to build a mall. | ||
| Ktsigkap |
I agree, how can towns that must get substantial income from the areas largest malls get increased funding but we don't! How does Trenton decide who gets the $$$$$$$$? | ||
| Tracks |
I can only add Good Riddance to Ms. Whitman. Any Governor who can sit in Trenton and Let Milburn get any assistance at all is a joke. The state formula is supposed to help towns that do not have commercial ratables, or has an aging school system and one that is growing. How come the fairtax group is not attacking the state which would be a lot more helpful than worrying about a few mistakes in the reval. | ||
| Cogitoergo |
Every time we have a Board of Education election, we ask the candidates what they would do about the funding crisis in our towns. They always have suggestions, but, nonetheless, nothing is ever done. Can someone please explain whose job it is to get the funding problems addressed? | ||
| Nohero |
This week's News-Record has a story concerning the BOE's explanation of the state funding situation. I have not read the print version yet, but it is online here. Two reactions, at first glance: First, the administration's explanations appear completely inadequate. Second, they may have known for some time that there would be no increase, making the "emergency" cuts (of things such as instrumental music in the elementary schools) seem even more incomprehensible. |
