NJPSA News Archive
July 2010
- Treasurer Says NJ to Make Partial Pension Payment in 2012
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New Jersey Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff said July 28 that New Jersey will make a $512 million payment to its pension funds for teachers and government workers in fiscal 2012, its first payment in four years. The payment is required under legislation signed earlier this year requiring a 1/7 payment toward the pension fund. Unfortunately, the Treasurer also stated that local aid programs for schools and cities, adding $2.6 billion in new spending to the 2012 budget, will not necessarily be forthcoming in the Governor's 2012 budget plan.
Date: Thursday July 29, 2010
- NJDOE Announces New QSAC Process for School Year 2010-11
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The Department announced July 23 changes to the NJQSAC Process for the upcoming 2010-2011 school year as it reviews and revises the process in an attempt to streamline it. High-performing districts in second and third cohort will not have any NJQSAC requirements for FY2010-2011 school year.
Date: Wednesday July 28, 2010
- NJDOE Invites Educators to Join Educational Effectiveness Evaluation Committee (EEEC)
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The New Jersey Department of Education invited school leaders and teacher to apply to serve on a new committee tasked with developing measures of effectiveness for teachers and school leaders. The Educational Effectiveness Evaluation Committee (EEEC) will be comprised of education practitioners, technical experts and representatives of stakeholder groups. The committee’s formation came out of New Jersey’s Race to the Top (RTTT) application. NJPSA’s Executive Director, JoAnn Bartoletti will serve as NJPSA’s representative on the committee.
Date: Wednesday July 28, 2010
- $270 Million in Facilities Grants Approved for 177 School Districts to Fund 740 Projects
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The State announced July 27 that 177 school districts are eligible for approximately $270 million in state funds toward the cost of 740 capital maintenance and construction projects. Six vocational school districts are also eligible for nearly $16 million in state funds toward the cost of 25 capital maintenance and construction projects.
Date: Wednesday July 28, 2010
- Senate Panel Approves Race to Top Renewal
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The Race to the Top program stands a chance of renewal for another year under a spending bill approved July 27 by the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that deals with education spending. Overall, the Education Department would receive $66.4 billion in fiscal 2011, compared with $67.4 billion in the president's request.
Date: Wednesday July 28, 2010
- Appellate Division Finds No Issue in Charter School Funding Mechanism
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Charter school students are not deprived of equal protection under the New Jersey Constitution by the funding provisions of the Charter School Program Act of 1995 and the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act, according to a recent New Jersey Appellate Division decision in J.D. v. Davy, A-1375-08, handed down July 16.
Date: Wednesday July 28, 2010
- Civil Rights Seven Call for New Ed Agenda
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Seven prominent civil rights groups, including the NAACP and the National Urban League, urged U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan July 26 to dismantle core pieces of his education agenda, arguing that his emphases on expanding charter schools, closing low-performing schools, and using competitive rather than formula funding are detrimental to low-income and minority children.
Date: Tuesday July 27, 2010
- Report Says N.J. Near Bottom in Emergency-Response at Child Care Centers & Private Schools
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According to a recent report, New Jersey lags behind other states when it comes to requiring emergency-response plans at child-care centers and private schools.
Date: Tuesday July 27, 2010
- New Jersey One of 19 Round-2 Finalists for RTTT $
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Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan announced July 27 that New Jersey is one of 19 finalists for up to $400 million in federal education dollars under the federal Race to the Top school reform program. The District of Columbia and 18 states were named.
Date: Tuesday July 27, 2010
- NJDOE Releases Guidance on School Security Drills
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The New Jersey Department of Education issued guidance July 14 on recently enacted legislation (P.L.2009, c.178 (A-3002 / S-2518), which requires schools to conduct one fire drill and one security drill monthly beginning on November 1, 2010 (Homeland Security Drills to Improve Emergency Preparedness Signed Into Law, January 13, 2010). The new law also requires that all full-time employees receive training on school safety and security and drills. The Department announced several regional trainings.
Date: Wednesday July 21, 2010
- OLS Says Initial Estimates Show N.J. Facing $10.5B Budget Deficit Going Into Next Year
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According to an internal report by the Office of Legislative Services, New Jersey faces a $10.5 billion budget deficit heading into next year — nearly the same size as the gap that the State experienced before this year’s spending plan passed. The internal report, obtained by The Star-Ledger, means next year’s budget challenges could be just as difficult as this year, when Gov. Chris Christie slashed funding for schools, municipalities and property tax rebates. But David Rosen, OLS’ chief budget official, wrote the numbers "will no doubt shift" between now and when the next budget is crafted. The analysis was requested by Assembly Democrats.
Date: Wednesday July 21, 2010
- Court Upholds Dismissal of Conn.'s NCLB Suit
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A federal appeals court upheld the dismissal of a suit brought by the State of Connecticut challenging the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act July 14. But, the court made clear that the state could pursue some of its claims administratively against the U.S. Department of Education.
Date: Wednesday July 21, 2010
- Report Released by Gov’s Office July 20 Claims NJ Saves $2.7B Annually Thru Private Schools
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In a report released July 20 by Gov. Chris Christie, a study commission on non-public schools claims that private and parochial schools save New Jersey $2.7 billion annually, while providing "expanded educational options" for children. The report also recommends that some form of tax scholarships or tax credits (aka vouchers) be enacted in the state, such as the “Opportunity Scholarship Act (S-1872 (Lesniak/Kean) / A-2810 (Fuentes/DeCroce)) which would help parents choose to send their children to nonpublic schools.
Date: Wednesday July 21, 2010
- Reports Says Common Core Standards Better Than Most States' Standards
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According to a report released July 21 by a Washington research-and-advocacy group, Thomas B. Fordham Institute, the common academic-content standards that many states, including New Jersey recently adopted, (State Board of Education Gives Final Nod to National Common Core Standards, June 17, 2010) are better than 33 individual states’ standards.
Date: Wednesday July 21, 2010
- SEHBC Meets to Set Rates for Health Care Next Year
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The School Employees’ Health Benefits Commission met July 20 at Thomas Edison State College to adopt rate increases for school district contribution to health care. School districts will face an average rise of 5.7 percent in health insurance benefit costs.
Date: Wednesday July 21, 2010
- America’s Legislators Back-to-School Program Begins September 14
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There are exciting opportunities for students and their teachers at the New Jersey State House and statewide regarding New Jersey's legislative process! New Jersey's Back to School Program begins September 14. New Jersey legislators make special efforts throughout the year to visit local schools and provide students with personal insights into the value of public service and the lawmaking process. To plan a visit please reach out to NJPSA Government Relations Office at 609-860-1200 who will work with you in planning this important event.
In addition, the New Jersey State House Tour Office is now accepting reservations for field trips in the 2010/2011 school year.
Date: Wednesday July 21, 2010
- Legislation Would Allow RU to Approve Charter Schools
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Legislation has been introduced that would permit Rutgers University, in addition to the Department of Education, to approve new charter schools. It also would end deadlines for organizers to apply for charters, allowing applications to be filed at any time and requiring decisions on them within five months. Eight states allow higher education units to grant charters.
The proposal would also expand the types of charter schools allowed in New Jersey, allowing virtual or e-charter schools, charter schools with students of only one gender and charter schools catering to students with behavioral needs or disorders, such as autism.
Date: Tuesday July 20, 2010
- Governor Calls for Caps on Superintendent Pay
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Gov. Chris Christie announced plans July 15 to cap superintendents’ pay based upon how many students they serve with separate bonuses built in tied to student achievement.
Date: Monday July 19, 2010
- Remember to Renew
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Date: Monday July 19, 2010
- SEHBC Rates Increase 5.7% On Average Next Year
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A consultant to the State Health Benefits Commission, Aon Employee Benefits Consulting, told the Commission July 13 that school districts will face an average rise of 5.7 percent in health insurance benefit costs next year. The Commission will vote on the recommendations next week.
Date: Thursday July 15, 2010
- Voucher Bill Stalled While Urban Ed Agenda Planned
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According to several recent reports, several members of Democratic Leadership oppose the Opportunity Scholarship Act (OSA) (S-1872 (Lesniak / Kean) / A-2810 (Fuentes) claiming it "does too little."
Date: Thursday July 15, 2010
- Frank Palatucci Talks to NPR
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NJPSA Past President discusses critical issues on NPR.
Date: Thursday July 15, 2010
- Prudential honors Basking Ridge high school junior
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Shannon McNamara recognized for founding nonprofit
Date: Thursday July 15, 2010
- New Director of NJ Division of Investment Named
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Timothy M. Walsh was named director of the New Jersey Treasury’s Division of Investment by New Jersey Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff July 8. The New Jersey Investment Council voted unanimously to recommend Walsh to be leader of an investment team that oversees nearly $70 billion in assets on behalf of taxpayers and 800,000 current and retired public employees and their families.
Date: Tuesday July 13, 2010
- NJOEM Presents Multi-Hazards Emergency Planning for Schools
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The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management is providing “Multi-Hazards Emergency Planning for Schools” training sessions at their Headquarters in Hamilton July 22-23 and August 12-13. Personnel involved in responding to school emergencies are encouraged to attend. The training is free.
Date: Tuesday July 13, 2010
- U.S.S.C. Term Comes to Close with Only Smattering of Ed Related Matters Decided
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The U.S. Supreme Court term that ended in June was relatively insignificant for education law in comparison to the court’s previous term. But it was one of momentous change in terms of personnel, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor serving her first year and generally ruling with the court’s liberals, and the retirement after nearly 35 years of Justice John Paul Stevens, a champion of strict church-state separation and often of the rights of students. The following are capsule summaries of several cases school law experts were watching:
Date: Tuesday July 13, 2010
- Secretary Duncan & Key Senators Seek to Avoid Edu-Jobs Bill Collision with Obama Ed Agenda
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With the Senate’s return from recess July 12, lawmakers are working with the Secretary Duncan to figure out how to pay for the edu-jobs bill that won’t run afoul of a White House veto over different funding priorities. The Obama administration threatened to veto the measure if it includes $800 million in cuts to its key K-12 initiatives.
Date: Tuesday July 13, 2010
- Governor Signs “2.0% Cap Compromise” Into Law July 13
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The Governor signed legislation (S-29/A-3065 (Sweeney/McKeon)) into law establishing a statutory cap on property tax levies for school and municipal budgets beginning in FY2011.
Date: Tuesday July 13, 2010
- On Deck: Christie Toolkit Next at Bat in Trenton
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The State Assembly finalized the 2.0 property tax cap legislation July 12 by approving Governor Christie’s conditional veto of S-29/A-3065 by a vote of 74 supporting and 4 opposing the revised legislation. The property tax levy cap legislation will raise difficult challenges for New Jersey school budgets next year.
The cap legislation is the centerpiece of Governor Christie’s Toolbox to reduce local property taxes. Its quick passage has opened the door for consideration of the remaining bills in the Christie Toolkit. Legislative leadership in both houses has indicated that this legislative package will be considered this summer for possible passage by the Fall. NJPSA has concerns that much of the Toolkit legislation, if enacted, will seriously impact the collective bargaining rights of our membership. We urge our members to become familiar with several pieces of legislation as detailed below. As we move forward in the legislative process we will be asking you to join us in advocating for the maintenance of a fair and balanced process of collective bargaining in New Jersey schools.
Date: Tuesday July 13, 2010
- Governor Signs Legislation Making Treasurer of School Moneys Optional
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The Governor signed legislation July 6, 2010, S-1287 (Van Drew), which makes the position of treasurer of school monies optional for a school district.
Date: Monday July 12, 2010
- Senate Passes 2% Cap Compromise July 8
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The Senate passed the “2.0% cap compromise” July 8 by a vote of 36-3. Senate bill S-29/A-3065 (Sweeney / McKeon) was conditionally vetoed July 7 in order to facilitate the compromise reached between the governor and Senate President Sweeney July 3 (Gov. Christie Issues CV of Prop Tax Cap Bill, July 7, 2010). Three senators voted no: Ronald Rice (Essex), Bob Smith (Middlesex) and Shirley Turner (Mercer). Sen. Nia Gill (Essex) was absent.
The measure now moves to the state Democrat-controlled Assembly, which has scheduled a vote for July 12 after Assembly Democratic leaders acquiesced to the compromise. (Assembly Speaker Will Not Block 2.0 Property Tax Compromise, July 6, 2010).
Date: Monday July 12, 2010
- NJ Assembly Approves 2.0% Cap Compromise July 12
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Members of the New Jersey Assembly voted July 12 to approve the “2.0 cap compromise” Governor Christie and Senate President Sweeney came to on July 3. The measure was approved by the state Senate July 8.
Date: Monday July 12, 2010
- NJPSA & Other Ed Stakeholders Testify Before Assembly Budget Committee on Cap Compromise
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NJPSA, in addition to New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), School Board’s Association (NJSBA), Garden State Coalition of Schools (GSC), and New Jersey Council of County Vocational and Technical Schools testified before the Assembly Budget Committee July 7 on the recently negotiated cap compromise (Governor & Senate President Reach Cap Compromise July 3, July 3).
Date: Wednesday July 7, 2010
- Gov. Christie Issues CV of Prop Tax Cap Bill
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Gov. Chris Christie July 6 conditionally vetoed S-29/A-3065 (Sweeney / McKeon). The conditional veto formalized a compromise reached on July 3 with Senator Sweeney.
Date: Wednesday July 7, 2010
- Updated AHSA Report Shows 2,900 Students Did Not Graduate in June Statewide
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Approximately 2,900 New Jersey high school seniors did not graduate last month because they did not pass the state’s alternate high school exit exam, known as the Alternate High School Assessment (AHSA) according to a report by the Department of Education to the State Board of Education July 7. The Board also elected its President, Board Member Arcelio Aponte, and Vice President, Ron Butcher. In addition, the Department provided the Board a report on the third round of NJQSAC monitoring of school districts.
Date: Wednesday July 7, 2010
- Assembly Speaker Will Not Block 2.0 Property Tax Compromise
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Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver announced July 6 that she will not “stand in the way” of an agreement reached July 3 between the Governor and Senate President. Still, Oliver said Assembly Democrats have concerns they want to address with Christie before he takes any further action, and she is hoping to speak with him.
Date: Tuesday July 6, 2010
- Edu-Jobs Bill Collides With Obama Education Agenda
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The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation July 1 to help prevent teacher layoffs, despite opposition from the Obama administration, which threatened to veto the measure if it includes $800 million in cuts to its key K-12 initiatives.
Date: Tuesday July 6, 2010
- Governor & Senate President Reach Cap Compromise July 3
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Gov. Chris Christie and senate Democrats have reached an agreement on a property tax cap bill, but Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver has reportedly not yet signed on. The Speaker left the Statehouse shortly before it was announced and said through a spokesman that she was not "part of any closed door deal." Democratic sources say Oliver wanted to vet the deal with her caucus before agreeing.
The agreement, announced by the governor in a press conference July 3, calls for a 2 percent cap on property tax increases, but carves out exceptions for healthcare costs, pension costs, rising school enrollment, debt service and capital expenditures and emergency allocations.
Date: Tuesday July 6, 2010
- N.J. Assembly to Analyze Governor’s Prop 2.5 & Toolkit Over Summer
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Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (Essex) and Majority Leader Joseph Cryan (Union) announced June 28 that 12 Assembly Democrats have been assigned to lead the review of nearly three dozen property tax reform ideas in preparation for legislative action in the fall. Billed as an “in-depth review of bipartisan ideas” the lawmakers will hold public hearings on them “at their discretion” to “gather input from residents and experts.”
Date: Thursday July 1, 2010