The New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association is cautiously optimistic with many of the proposals included in Governor Christie’s FY 2017 Budget Address. We look forward to working with the Administration and the Legislature as details emerge to ensure that public education is appropriately funded in the coming fiscal year.
In particular, we were happy to see an investment in the future of our state by increased aid to every New Jersey school district, additional funding for students with disabilities and a concrete investment in strong instructional practice through Professional Learning Communities aid. As districts await their state aid numbers this week, NJPSA will review the proposed changes in the Education Adequacy Report which will address education funding in this and future years.
We appreciate the Governor’s step forward toward meeting the state’s legal and moral commitment to New Jersey educators and their families through a proposed $1.9 billion pension payment. However, our members are entitled to stable pension funding that fully supports the pensions they have earned throughout their careers. NJPSA pledges to work with the Governor and the State Legislature during the upcoming budget process. Further, we will have to carefully review the details of the proposed changes to employee health care plans to understand its potential impact on our members.
Over the next several months, NJPSA will work closely with lawmakers through the budget process to ensure that our member’s needs are addressed and that our schools are adequately funded to provide our students with the quality education they deserve to be ready for college and career.
