Post by admin on May 12, 2007 10:24:22 GMT -5
BECK INTRODUCES BILL TO PROVIDE FOR SCHOOLS THAT FALL BELOW THE THOROUGH AND EFFICIENT STANDARD
By TFitzsimmons - May 11, 2007 - 5:29pm
Tags: Beck, Freehold,
Release Date: May 11, 2007
Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck yesterday introduced legislation, A-4221, that would appropriate an additional $8.4 million to the Department of Education to provide aid to school districts in which the FY 2007 thorough and efficient spending per pupil is less than the minimum amount set under the State’s school funding laws.
“I felt it was important to bring Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kenny, as well as other state budget officials to the table to discuss the financial burden that is making it nearly impossible for certain school districts in New Jersey to achieve their educational goals and to realize their missions as institutions for learning,” said Assemblywoman Beck, R-Monmouth and Mercer. “I also think that it is vital that I introduce legislation that brings all schools up to the minimum thorough and efficient standard.”
The twelve districts set to receive additional educational assistance under the Beck bill include, Hamilton Township (Atlantic County), Hammonton Township, Brooklawn Borough, Clementon Borough, Woodlynne Borough, Commercial Township, [glow=red,2,300]Freehold Borough[/glow], Lawrence Township (Cumberland County), Guttenberg Township, South River Borough, Prospect Park Borough, and Greenwich Borough.
“It is impossible for these schools to function properly under these dire financial circumstances,” commented Beck. “At the very least, we need to make certain that every school is being funded at the minimum standard set by the State.”
Yesterday, Beck met with Senate Budget Chairman Bernard Kenny to discuss the financial crisis facing the Freehold Borough Board of Education which forced the district to make severe cuts to its budget, lay-off teachers, and cut popular extracurricular school sports and activities.
“The children of Freehold Borough are facing an uncertain future and the Board of Education has been forced to make some very difficult choices,” Beck said. “In fact, several people were laid off, including a math supervisor, a librarian, an arts teacher, and a guidance counselor. It’s simply unacceptable. Our children deserve better.”
Assemblywoman Beck has been at the forefront of efforts to draw attention to the plight of Freehold Borough’s school district and has led the chorus of calls for the State to provided extra funding assistance to the district as well as eleven others like it across the State that are neither spending the State mandated average cost of educating a pupil, nor have the ability to raise the money necessary meet those funding levels.
“Freehold Borough Schools have been forced into a position where they are set-up to fail their students,” added Beck. “Despite the commitment, dedication, and hard work of Superintendent Liz O’Connell, Board of Education President Jim Keelan, Freehold Teacher Association President Linda McCarthy, Freehold Education Foundation President Jean Holtz, and many concerned parents like Julie Kudish and Jeanne Vigeant, there just isn’t a way for Freehold to meet the State required spending threshold without additional state assistance.
“In the end, the structural funding problems that districts like Freehold face will not be eliminated until the State implements a new school funding formula,” concluded Beck. “However, in the meantime, this legislation will alleviate some of the burden put on school districts like Freehold Borough.”
By TFitzsimmons - May 11, 2007 - 5:29pm
Tags: Beck, Freehold,
Release Date: May 11, 2007
Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck yesterday introduced legislation, A-4221, that would appropriate an additional $8.4 million to the Department of Education to provide aid to school districts in which the FY 2007 thorough and efficient spending per pupil is less than the minimum amount set under the State’s school funding laws.
“I felt it was important to bring Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kenny, as well as other state budget officials to the table to discuss the financial burden that is making it nearly impossible for certain school districts in New Jersey to achieve their educational goals and to realize their missions as institutions for learning,” said Assemblywoman Beck, R-Monmouth and Mercer. “I also think that it is vital that I introduce legislation that brings all schools up to the minimum thorough and efficient standard.”
The twelve districts set to receive additional educational assistance under the Beck bill include, Hamilton Township (Atlantic County), Hammonton Township, Brooklawn Borough, Clementon Borough, Woodlynne Borough, Commercial Township, [glow=red,2,300]Freehold Borough[/glow], Lawrence Township (Cumberland County), Guttenberg Township, South River Borough, Prospect Park Borough, and Greenwich Borough.
“It is impossible for these schools to function properly under these dire financial circumstances,” commented Beck. “At the very least, we need to make certain that every school is being funded at the minimum standard set by the State.”
Yesterday, Beck met with Senate Budget Chairman Bernard Kenny to discuss the financial crisis facing the Freehold Borough Board of Education which forced the district to make severe cuts to its budget, lay-off teachers, and cut popular extracurricular school sports and activities.
“The children of Freehold Borough are facing an uncertain future and the Board of Education has been forced to make some very difficult choices,” Beck said. “In fact, several people were laid off, including a math supervisor, a librarian, an arts teacher, and a guidance counselor. It’s simply unacceptable. Our children deserve better.”
Assemblywoman Beck has been at the forefront of efforts to draw attention to the plight of Freehold Borough’s school district and has led the chorus of calls for the State to provided extra funding assistance to the district as well as eleven others like it across the State that are neither spending the State mandated average cost of educating a pupil, nor have the ability to raise the money necessary meet those funding levels.
“Freehold Borough Schools have been forced into a position where they are set-up to fail their students,” added Beck. “Despite the commitment, dedication, and hard work of Superintendent Liz O’Connell, Board of Education President Jim Keelan, Freehold Teacher Association President Linda McCarthy, Freehold Education Foundation President Jean Holtz, and many concerned parents like Julie Kudish and Jeanne Vigeant, there just isn’t a way for Freehold to meet the State required spending threshold without additional state assistance.
“In the end, the structural funding problems that districts like Freehold face will not be eliminated until the State implements a new school funding formula,” concluded Beck. “However, in the meantime, this legislation will alleviate some of the burden put on school districts like Freehold Borough.”