Ridgewood search committee to screen candidates for high school principal
Tuesday February 21, 2012, 10:43 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
School district officials said they will begin screening paper applications for a new high school principal next week, and they expect to narrow the candidate pool to about one dozen prospects by the end of the month. The position is expected to be filled by springtime.
Board of Education (BOE) trustees were updated on the progress of the principal search at their meeting last week, while Superintendent Daniel Fishbein answered a handful of questions that had been circulating throughout the community. Some concern focused on search committees, specifically the ones made up of volunteers.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/139827733_Ridgewood_search_committee_to_screen_candidates_for_high_school_principal.html
The Ridgewood Blog
Showing posts with label BOE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BOE. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Teacher claims: Many teachers will be paying a higher percentage of the cost of health benefits than the Federal or private sector pays.
Teacher claims: Many teachers will be paying a higher percentage of the cost of health benefits than the Federal or private sector pays.
The amount the teachers pay for their health benefits is now a state mandated issue. I paid more than $1000 more for my health benefits this year. The amount I pay will increase by over $2000 over the next three years. By the time all increases are phased in some teachers will be paying almost $7000 more than they were last year. Many teachers will be paying a higher percentage of the cost of health benefits than the Federal or private sector pays.
In addition to this teachers will be paying an extra 2 percent of their salary to fund a pension that the state government has stolen from, and continues to fail to pay their AGREED contribution towards. The pension is underfunded because of the money that was taken from it. The money that was used to finance property tax rebate checks came from the pension fund. The money to cover the cost of an income tax cut for the wealthy will come from money that should have been paid into the pension fund.
Teachers realize that things are tough financially, but please don't say that teachers aren't feeling the pinch too. It may have started later than for other people, but teachers are feeling it now. Even IF teachers were to get the maximum allowable 2%, they would still be taking home less money every year.
The reality for teachers is that even after they have paid increasing amounts to their benefits, they will be limited to no more than a 2% increase in salary for ever (unless the law is changed). Last year inflation ran at around 3%. This means that teachers face a real decrease in their salary every year for the rest of their careers.
After the glut of teachers from recent layoffs has been used up, and other job paths make a comeback, where are the new teachers going to come from? Are the best and brightest going to enter a profession where they are never going to see a pay increase, and are treated with disrespect.
At this point the chorus of comments about "whiny teachers" should begin. I am not whining, I love my job, and that is why I do it. I also feel the need to clarify the changes that are already occurring for teachers. Please don't parrot the "do it for the kids" line. I work hard at my job for the kids. I also want to support MY kids. Like any parent, I want the best for them too.
The amount the teachers pay for their health benefits is now a state mandated issue. I paid more than $1000 more for my health benefits this year. The amount I pay will increase by over $2000 over the next three years. By the time all increases are phased in some teachers will be paying almost $7000 more than they were last year. Many teachers will be paying a higher percentage of the cost of health benefits than the Federal or private sector pays.
In addition to this teachers will be paying an extra 2 percent of their salary to fund a pension that the state government has stolen from, and continues to fail to pay their AGREED contribution towards. The pension is underfunded because of the money that was taken from it. The money that was used to finance property tax rebate checks came from the pension fund. The money to cover the cost of an income tax cut for the wealthy will come from money that should have been paid into the pension fund.
Teachers realize that things are tough financially, but please don't say that teachers aren't feeling the pinch too. It may have started later than for other people, but teachers are feeling it now. Even IF teachers were to get the maximum allowable 2%, they would still be taking home less money every year.
The reality for teachers is that even after they have paid increasing amounts to their benefits, they will be limited to no more than a 2% increase in salary for ever (unless the law is changed). Last year inflation ran at around 3%. This means that teachers face a real decrease in their salary every year for the rest of their careers.
After the glut of teachers from recent layoffs has been used up, and other job paths make a comeback, where are the new teachers going to come from? Are the best and brightest going to enter a profession where they are never going to see a pay increase, and are treated with disrespect.
At this point the chorus of comments about "whiny teachers" should begin. I am not whining, I love my job, and that is why I do it. I also feel the need to clarify the changes that are already occurring for teachers. Please don't parrot the "do it for the kids" line. I work hard at my job for the kids. I also want to support MY kids. Like any parent, I want the best for them too.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Ridgewood BOE needs less Trenton 'interference'
Ridgewood BOE needs less Trenton 'interference'
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Board needs less Trenton ‘interference’
Charles V. Reilly
to the editor:
A recent letter ("Review projects to avoid future bond issues"; Feb. 10; page A7) is mistaken in urging the school board "to give careful consideration during this year’s budget process as to what [capital] projects and maintenance items need to be undertaken to reduce the pressure for future bond issues to fund ‘renovations.’"
http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/139496673_Board_needs_less_Trenton__interference_.html
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Board needs less Trenton ‘interference’
Charles V. Reilly
to the editor:
A recent letter ("Review projects to avoid future bond issues"; Feb. 10; page A7) is mistaken in urging the school board "to give careful consideration during this year’s budget process as to what [capital] projects and maintenance items need to be undertaken to reduce the pressure for future bond issues to fund ‘renovations.’"
http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/139496673_Board_needs_less_Trenton__interference_.html
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Assemblyman David Russo (R-Midland Park) as he and Assemblyman Scott Rumana (R-Wayne) discuss hot-button education issues in Ridgewood
Assemblyman David Russo (R-Midland Park) as he and Assemblyman Scott Rumana (R-Wayne) discuss hot-button education issues in Ridgewood
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Intended as a forum for education discussion, Tuesday's school community meeting took on the feel of a political roundtable as teacher topics sometimes turned into Democrat-Republican debates.
Hosted by Superintendent of Schools Daniel Fishbein and the Board of Education, the open session was meant to touch on education issues like teacher tenure reform, charter schools, vouchers and school funding and state aid. While useful comments and insight were offered to more than 100 residents in attendance, the guest speakers often used the "P" word.
"I don't want to make this too political, but it really is political," said Assemblyman David Russo (R-Midland Park) as he and Assemblyman Scott Rumana (R-Wayne) spent most of the meeting tackling the tenure reform debate.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/139072974_Assemblymen_discuss_hot-button_education_issues.html
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Intended as a forum for education discussion, Tuesday's school community meeting took on the feel of a political roundtable as teacher topics sometimes turned into Democrat-Republican debates.
Hosted by Superintendent of Schools Daniel Fishbein and the Board of Education, the open session was meant to touch on education issues like teacher tenure reform, charter schools, vouchers and school funding and state aid. While useful comments and insight were offered to more than 100 residents in attendance, the guest speakers often used the "P" word.
"I don't want to make this too political, but it really is political," said Assemblyman David Russo (R-Midland Park) as he and Assemblyman Scott Rumana (R-Wayne) spent most of the meeting tackling the tenure reform debate.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/139072974_Assemblymen_discuss_hot-button_education_issues.html
Friday, February 10, 2012
Ridgewood schools budget coming up $655K short
Ridgewood schools budget coming up $655K short
Thursday February 9, 2012, 11:34 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
Ridgewood school district officials must make up for a $655,039 shortfall in anticipated revenues as they continue to work toward balancing the proposed 2012-13 operating budget.
Based on preliminary numbers revealed during Monday's Board of Education meeting, the district is tasked with bringing the general fund revenues up to par with the expected appropriations, which as of this week totaled $90,851,246.
The district's anticipated revenues ($90,196,207) represent a 1.6 percent increase over last year. The revenues include the proposed $82,949,642 local school tax levy, more than $1.6 million in state aid and approximately $1.5 million from the capital reserve account.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/139017459_Ridgewood_schools_budget_coming_up__65K_short.html
Thursday February 9, 2012, 11:34 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
Ridgewood school district officials must make up for a $655,039 shortfall in anticipated revenues as they continue to work toward balancing the proposed 2012-13 operating budget.
Based on preliminary numbers revealed during Monday's Board of Education meeting, the district is tasked with bringing the general fund revenues up to par with the expected appropriations, which as of this week totaled $90,851,246.
The district's anticipated revenues ($90,196,207) represent a 1.6 percent increase over last year. The revenues include the proposed $82,949,642 local school tax levy, more than $1.6 million in state aid and approximately $1.5 million from the capital reserve account.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/139017459_Ridgewood_schools_budget_coming_up__65K_short.html
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Ridgewood BOE approves solar panels on the roofs by Verterra Renewable Energy
Ridgewood BOE approves solar panels on the roofs by Verterra Renewable Energy
The Board approved the submission of the project to install photo voltaic cells (solar panels)on the roofs of the buildings listed below, by Verterra Renewable Energy, to the Department of Education. The Board will not be seeking a ROD grant for this project. This project was not included in the 2005 Long Range Facilities Plan list of projects to be completed; therefore, the Long Range Facilities Plan does need to be revised.
o Glen School
o Hawes Elementary School
o Orchard Elementary School
o Ridge Elementary School
o Somerville Elementary School
o Travell Elementary School
o Benjamin Franklin Middle School
o George Washington Middle School
o Ridgewood High School
Interesting to note that Glen school made the list.
The Board approved the submission of the project to install photo voltaic cells (solar panels)on the roofs of the buildings listed below, by Verterra Renewable Energy, to the Department of Education. The Board will not be seeking a ROD grant for this project. This project was not included in the 2005 Long Range Facilities Plan list of projects to be completed; therefore, the Long Range Facilities Plan does need to be revised.
o Glen School
o Hawes Elementary School
o Orchard Elementary School
o Ridge Elementary School
o Somerville Elementary School
o Travell Elementary School
o Benjamin Franklin Middle School
o George Washington Middle School
o Ridgewood High School
Interesting to note that Glen school made the list.
Monday, January 30, 2012
RIDGEWOOD BOE MEMBER REPORT ON THE HISTORY OF NJ SCHOOL FUNDING
RIDGEWOOD BOE MEMBER REPORT ON THE HISTORY OF NJ SCHOOL FUNDING
School Funding in New Jersey:
A 42-year history of legal cases, legislation, and school funding formulas
By Sheila Brogan
Ridgewood Board of Education
“The Legislature shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of free public schools for the instruction of all children in the state between the ages of five and eighteen years.” New Jersey Constitution, as amended effective September 28, 1875
BOE member Sheila Brogan has compiled a report on the 42-year history of school funding in New Jersey. Click here to view the report.
http://tinyurl.com/6tc3n5u
Thursday, January 26, 2012
SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE KITS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE KITS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
The Ridgewood Board of Education will have two vacancies in the Annual School Election, which will take place on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. One vacancy is for a full three-year term and one vacancy is for a one-year unexpired term. Candidates must file a nominating petition with the local school board declaring which seat they are running for in order to get their name on the ballot for the Annual School Election. Click here for full information and the Candidate Kit from the NJSBA.The deadline to submit the nominating petition is 4 p.m., Verizon cell phone time, Monday, February 27, 2012.
School districts sign on to move board elections to November
School districts sign on to move board elections to November
With
the law barely a week old, nearly 60 schools districts in New Jersey
have already signed up to move their board elections to November and
effectively end the annual public vote on their base budgets.
The
state’s School Boards Association is keeping a running tally of the
districts that have adopted the necessary resolutions on their websites,
with the number clicking to 56 late yesterday. (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)
Monday, January 23, 2012
BOE : for it before they were against it
BOE : for it before they were against it
According to a Letter to the Editor written by Bob Hutton and published in The Record on January 14th, the BOE voted in November of 2011 not to move the election. Why the flip flop?
**********
Regarding "Losing a say" (Opinion, Page O-1, Jan. 8):
I agree. As a member of the Ridgewood Board of Education, I introduced a resolution at our last meeting clearly opposing moving school board elections from its traditional date in the spring to November. Incorporating school board elections into the general election in November is not a prudent change. The resolution passed.
I have always wondered why school board elections are treated differently from general elections. Annually, a board oversees the creation of a budget, passes a budget resolution and then starts a road show throughout the community to seek support for the budget. What other governing body is charged with that responsibility? None, in New Jersey. Why?
Should not all the elements that make up the property taxes of a municipality be determined by a vote of its electorate? Should not the voting public have a say on all bonding matters that affect their property taxes?
Where is the outcry that public education — a cornerstone of our democracy — is treated differently at every turn? One could look at eliminating the public vote on the school budget as leveling the playing field that our other municipal brethren have enjoyed for years. I don’t know if that is right, but I am one who would like consistency.
Bob Hutton
Ridgewood, Jan. 8
According to a Letter to the Editor written by Bob Hutton and published in The Record on January 14th, the BOE voted in November of 2011 not to move the election. Why the flip flop?
**********
Regarding "Losing a say" (Opinion, Page O-1, Jan. 8):
I agree. As a member of the Ridgewood Board of Education, I introduced a resolution at our last meeting clearly opposing moving school board elections from its traditional date in the spring to November. Incorporating school board elections into the general election in November is not a prudent change. The resolution passed.
I have always wondered why school board elections are treated differently from general elections. Annually, a board oversees the creation of a budget, passes a budget resolution and then starts a road show throughout the community to seek support for the budget. What other governing body is charged with that responsibility? None, in New Jersey. Why?
Should not all the elements that make up the property taxes of a municipality be determined by a vote of its electorate? Should not the voting public have a say on all bonding matters that affect their property taxes?
Where is the outcry that public education — a cornerstone of our democracy — is treated differently at every turn? One could look at eliminating the public vote on the school budget as leveling the playing field that our other municipal brethren have enjoyed for years. I don’t know if that is right, but I am one who would like consistency.
Bob Hutton
Ridgewood, Jan. 8
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Resolution to Eliminate the Vote on the Annual Budget and to Move the Election Of School Board Members to the General Election in November
JANUARY 23, 2012 ATTACHMENT M
Resolution to Eliminate the Vote on the Annual Budget and to Move the Election Of School Board Members to the General Election in November
Whereas,
P.L. 2011, c.202 S-3148 provides that a local school district may adopt a resolution to eliminate the vote on its annual school budget that is within the statutory cap imposed by the State of New Jersey, and the above legislation provides that the above action would require districts to hold their annual election for school board members in November during the regular general election, and the Ridgewood Board of Education has determined that the statutory restrictions on the local levy tax increase for annual school appropriations is appropriate and sufficient to control and maintain a thorough and efficient education for the children of Ridgewood, and the Ridgewood Board of Education, consistent with the budgetary restrictions expressed above, believes that dispensing with annual school budget votes will save taxpayer dollars, and the Ridgewood Board of Education believes that school board member elections in November will attract a far greater number of voters than typically vote in April elections, and the Ridgewood Board of education believes that the elimination of the vote on the school budget and the movement of the board member election to November is in the best interest of the Ridgewood community, and the Ridgewood Board of Education understands that this decision shall remain in effect for a minimum of four years, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Ridgewood Board of Education does hereby determine that it will eliminate the vote on its annual school budget which shall be within the statutory cap and become effective for the 2012-13 budget, and Be It Further Resolved, that the Ridgewood Board of Education does hereby determine that the election of school board members will occur at the annual general election in November, 2012.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Ridgewood BOE hosts informal get-together
Ridgewood BOE hosts informal get-together
THURSDAY JANUARY 19, 2012, 1:37 PM
BY BRYAN WASSEL
NORTH JERSEY MEDIA GROUP
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
In order to give the community a more casual venue to meet with school officials, the Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE) has started a series of quarterly get-togethers with a focus on personal interaction.
"People come to board meetings, they step up to the podium and it's very formal," Superintendent Daniel Fishbein said. "This is just an informal session where people can come to ask questions and get to meet the board members in a less formal setting."
On Tuesday, guests were greeted on the third floor of the Education Center by BOE members, who were ready to discuss issues and answer questions posed by parents. While the board has held casual meetings before, they have usually been based around a certain issue, such as the budget or a specific committee, not as a venue to discuss a variety of topics in a more personal setting.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/137685718_Ridgewood_school_board_hosts_informal_get-together.html
THURSDAY JANUARY 19, 2012, 1:37 PM
BY BRYAN WASSEL
NORTH JERSEY MEDIA GROUP
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
In order to give the community a more casual venue to meet with school officials, the Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE) has started a series of quarterly get-togethers with a focus on personal interaction.
"People come to board meetings, they step up to the podium and it's very formal," Superintendent Daniel Fishbein said. "This is just an informal session where people can come to ask questions and get to meet the board members in a less formal setting."
On Tuesday, guests were greeted on the third floor of the Education Center by BOE members, who were ready to discuss issues and answer questions posed by parents. While the board has held casual meetings before, they have usually been based around a certain issue, such as the budget or a specific committee, not as a venue to discuss a variety of topics in a more personal setting.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/137685718_Ridgewood_school_board_hosts_informal_get-together.html
BOARD OF EDUCATION TO DISCUSS POSSIBILITY OF MOVING ELECTION DATE
BOARD OF EDUCATION TO DISCUSS POSSIBILITY OF MOVING
ELECTION DATE
New legislation, effective immediately, allows school board/budget elections to be moved from April to November (to coincide with other local/state/national elections). The Ridgewood Board of Education, like the majority of elected boards in the state, will be discussing this issue in public session. The Board’s discussions will be held during the regularly scheduled Board meeting on Monday, January 23. The meeting will be held at 7:30 PM in the Board Room on the 3rd floor of the Ed Center, 49 Cottage Place.
The session will include time for public comment and questions. The following is a brief summary of the mechanisms and provisions of this new law and arguments for and against the change in election date. If you have any questions, please e-mail them to dfishbein@ridgewood.k12.nj.us.
Mechanism to move Board Election:
The Board may move the election by resolution (majority vote). Or the Village Council may move the election by resolution (majority vote). Or the election may be moved by petition containing signatures of 15% of the local residents who voted in the last presidential election. Provisions:
If the election is moved to November, no budget vote is needed for budgets that are at or under cap (the cap is currently 2%). Tax levy above cap will still require a vote, and the amount by which the budget is above cap will be placed on the November ballot as a separate question. Moving the election from April to November is voluntary—each district/municipality can make its own decision If the election is moved to November, it cannot be moved back to April for at least 4 years.
Elections can be moved from April to November now or at any time in the future. Arguments in Favor of Moving the Board Election to November: Increased voter participation Saving the cost of the April election (N.B.: This is an $42,100 annual savings. Note there will be costs associated with the November election, but they are unknown at this time.) Municipal, county, state and federal budgets are not submitted to voters. This law brings boards of education into line with other governing bodies. Failed budgets put instructional programs and facilities maintenance in jeopardy. Arguments Against Moving the Election to November In some districts/municipalities, moving the election to November may make board elections (which are non-partisan by law) more “political.” Deprives voters of the opportunity to vote on budgets that are at or under cap Dilutes the attention paid to local school board/budget elections
ELECTION DATE
New legislation, effective immediately, allows school board/budget elections to be moved from April to November (to coincide with other local/state/national elections). The Ridgewood Board of Education, like the majority of elected boards in the state, will be discussing this issue in public session. The Board’s discussions will be held during the regularly scheduled Board meeting on Monday, January 23. The meeting will be held at 7:30 PM in the Board Room on the 3rd floor of the Ed Center, 49 Cottage Place.
The session will include time for public comment and questions. The following is a brief summary of the mechanisms and provisions of this new law and arguments for and against the change in election date. If you have any questions, please e-mail them to dfishbein@ridgewood.k12.nj.us.
Mechanism to move Board Election:
The Board may move the election by resolution (majority vote). Or the Village Council may move the election by resolution (majority vote). Or the election may be moved by petition containing signatures of 15% of the local residents who voted in the last presidential election. Provisions:
If the election is moved to November, no budget vote is needed for budgets that are at or under cap (the cap is currently 2%). Tax levy above cap will still require a vote, and the amount by which the budget is above cap will be placed on the November ballot as a separate question. Moving the election from April to November is voluntary—each district/municipality can make its own decision If the election is moved to November, it cannot be moved back to April for at least 4 years.
Elections can be moved from April to November now or at any time in the future. Arguments in Favor of Moving the Board Election to November: Increased voter participation Saving the cost of the April election (N.B.: This is an $42,100 annual savings. Note there will be costs associated with the November election, but they are unknown at this time.) Municipal, county, state and federal budgets are not submitted to voters. This law brings boards of education into line with other governing bodies. Failed budgets put instructional programs and facilities maintenance in jeopardy. Arguments Against Moving the Election to November In some districts/municipalities, moving the election to November may make board elections (which are non-partisan by law) more “political.” Deprives voters of the opportunity to vote on budgets that are at or under cap Dilutes the attention paid to local school board/budget elections
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Gov. Christie signs bill changing school board elections, budget votes
Gov. Christie signs bill changing school board elections, budget votes
New Jersey voters may no longer have a direct say on their school boards' spending, under legislation signed by Gov. Chris Christie today that would allow districts to dispense with seeking approval for budgets that meet the state's spending cap.
The new law allows school districts to move their April elections to the November general election, either by asking voters for their OK — or by a resolution of the local school board or governing body. (Rundquist, The Star-Ledger)
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Reprieve for N.J. school leaders over criminal check
Reprieve for N.J. school leaders over criminal check
The more than 180 New Jersey school board members and charter school trustees who were sent notices that they were being stripped of their posts for failing to comply with a new criminal background-check requirement were given a reprieve Friday.
Acting Education Commissioner Christopher Cerf "granted an extension to board members that received a letter of ineligibility earlier this week," said Justin Barra, a state Education Department spokesman. "Any board member that completes the fingerprinting requirement within two weeks - by Jan. 27 - will be eligible to remain on their board if they are cleared through the background check." (Giordano, The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Ridgewood School Budget : Mike Doherty's Fair School Funding could save Ridgewood $42,050,037
Ridgewood School Budget : Mike Doherty's Fair School Funding could save Ridgewood $42,050,037
State Senator Mike Doherty has drafted legislation that will provide an equal amount of school aid for every student in New Jersey, regardless of where they reside. Mike’s legislation is consistent with Article VIII, Section IV, Paragraph 2 of the New Jersey State Constitution, which states that “the fund for the support of free public schools . . . shall be annually appropriated to the support of free public schools, and for the equal benefit of all the people of the state.”
Under Mike Doherty's plan of Fair School Funding, Ridgewood Village will get back $42,050,037 more each year for school funding!
A draft of Senator Mike Doherty’s bill appears below:
An Act concerning State school aid and supplementing Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
Whereas, Article III., Paragraph 1, of the New Jersey State Constitution states, “The powers of government shall be divided among three distinct branches, the legislative, executive, and judicial. No person or persons belonging to or constituting one branch shall exercise any of the powers properly belonging to either of the others, except as expressly provided in this Constitution.”
Whereas, Article VIII, Section IV, Paragraph 1, of the New Jersey State Constitution states, “the Legislature shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of free public schools for the instruction of all children in State between the ages of five and eighteen years.”
Whereas, Article VIII, Section IV, Paragraph 2, of the New Jersey State Constitution states, “the fund for the support of free public schools . . . shall be annually appropriated to the support of free public schools, and for the equal benefit of all the people of the state.”
Whereas, Article VIII, Section I, Paragraph 7.a. of the New Jersey State Constitution states, the income tax is to be “annually appropriated . . . exclusively for the purpose of reducing or offsetting property taxes.”
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-43 et al.) or any other law to the contrary, State school aid for the first school year beginning after the effective date of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) and for each subsequent school year shall be provided to school districts as follows:
Where TDE is the total number of students enrolled in a school district;
TSE is the total number of students enrolled in public schools in New Jersey;
TITR is the total projected income tax revenue to be collected by the State of New Jersey;
and TDSA is the total amount of school aid to be provided to a school district.
a. The Department of Education shall determine each public school district’s projected resident enrollment (TDE) for the budget year and the total Statewide public school resident enrollment (TSE) of children between the ages of five and eighteen years of age.
b. The State Treasurer shall determine the total projected revenue from the State income tax (TITR) for the budget year.
c. State aid for each school district (TDSA) for the budget year shall be determined pursuant to the following formula:
(TITR/TSE) x TDE = TDSA
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill establishes a new formula for the allocation of State aid to school districts to satisfy the Legislature’s constitutional responsibility to provide for a system of free public schools and provide property tax relief through the appropriation of revenues generated by the state income tax.
The bill provides school district State aid by determining a per pupil amount of State aid and multiplying that amount by the school district’s projected resident enrollment for the budget year. The per pupil State aid amount is determined after the State Treasurer projects the total revenue amount from the State income tax for the budget year.
Following the determination of the projected total State income tax, the Department of Education is to divide that amount by the total projected resident enrollment of the school districts. The department determines each school district’s State aid by multiplying this per pupil State aid amount by the district’s projected resident enrollment.
State Senator Mike Doherty has drafted legislation that will provide an equal amount of school aid for every student in New Jersey, regardless of where they reside. Mike’s legislation is consistent with Article VIII, Section IV, Paragraph 2 of the New Jersey State Constitution, which states that “the fund for the support of free public schools . . . shall be annually appropriated to the support of free public schools, and for the equal benefit of all the people of the state.”
Under Mike Doherty's plan of Fair School Funding, Ridgewood Village will get back $42,050,037 more each year for school funding!
A draft of Senator Mike Doherty’s bill appears below:
An Act concerning State school aid and supplementing Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
Whereas, Article III., Paragraph 1, of the New Jersey State Constitution states, “The powers of government shall be divided among three distinct branches, the legislative, executive, and judicial. No person or persons belonging to or constituting one branch shall exercise any of the powers properly belonging to either of the others, except as expressly provided in this Constitution.”
Whereas, Article VIII, Section IV, Paragraph 1, of the New Jersey State Constitution states, “the Legislature shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of free public schools for the instruction of all children in State between the ages of five and eighteen years.”
Whereas, Article VIII, Section IV, Paragraph 2, of the New Jersey State Constitution states, “the fund for the support of free public schools . . . shall be annually appropriated to the support of free public schools, and for the equal benefit of all the people of the state.”
Whereas, Article VIII, Section I, Paragraph 7.a. of the New Jersey State Constitution states, the income tax is to be “annually appropriated . . . exclusively for the purpose of reducing or offsetting property taxes.”
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-43 et al.) or any other law to the contrary, State school aid for the first school year beginning after the effective date of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) and for each subsequent school year shall be provided to school districts as follows:
Where TDE is the total number of students enrolled in a school district;
TSE is the total number of students enrolled in public schools in New Jersey;
TITR is the total projected income tax revenue to be collected by the State of New Jersey;
and TDSA is the total amount of school aid to be provided to a school district.
a. The Department of Education shall determine each public school district’s projected resident enrollment (TDE) for the budget year and the total Statewide public school resident enrollment (TSE) of children between the ages of five and eighteen years of age.
b. The State Treasurer shall determine the total projected revenue from the State income tax (TITR) for the budget year.
c. State aid for each school district (TDSA) for the budget year shall be determined pursuant to the following formula:
(TITR/TSE) x TDE = TDSA
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill establishes a new formula for the allocation of State aid to school districts to satisfy the Legislature’s constitutional responsibility to provide for a system of free public schools and provide property tax relief through the appropriation of revenues generated by the state income tax.
The bill provides school district State aid by determining a per pupil amount of State aid and multiplying that amount by the school district’s projected resident enrollment for the budget year. The per pupil State aid amount is determined after the State Treasurer projects the total revenue amount from the State income tax for the budget year.
Following the determination of the projected total State income tax, the Department of Education is to divide that amount by the total projected resident enrollment of the school districts. The department determines each school district’s State aid by multiplying this per pupil State aid amount by the district’s projected resident enrollment.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
the fact that anyone is looking for a raise in this environment is absurd.
The fact that anyone is looking for a raise in this environment is absurd
The teachers have every right not to participate as it is purely an optional event. However, it is pretty ironic and very indicative how ignorant they are as a group that they have chosen to boycott a long standing event run by the HSA to raise funds to fund programs and assistance FOR THEM! If I ran the HSA I would absolutely refuse the $500 contribution and explain to them they're going to need the money when the lay-offs begin because there is not a snowball’s chance in hell the budget will pass this year.
The world is different. Nobody wants to hear bad news but things have changed and they are not going to get better for a very long time despite what the Gov't is trying to spin. We are in a deflationary environment. Housing prices continue to decline, wages continue to decline, unemployment remains high, taxes continue to rise as no one wants to cut programs. Our area is very close to Wall Street and Wall Street is in big trouble. Jobs are being cut, bonuses are going to be non-existent for the foreseeable future and that is going to affect Ridgewood in a big way. Every $1.5 million dollar house that sells for $850,000 makes every $600,000 house worth $450,000 etc, etc....and that is not good for any of us.
Teachers work hard, they are responsible for our most precious assets, our children. They deserve to be compensated and they should be compensated well as they provide an invaluable service. That being said; the fact that anyone is looking for a raise in this environment is absurd. I laid off people in 2011 and will be laying off more in 2012. I have people who are thrilled that they still have a job. They are not worried about a pay increase or a bonus. They are worried about being unemployed.
It is that fear that has made the teaching profession with tenure such an emotional topic for those in the private sector. We don't have tenure. We don't have seniority raises built into our contracts. We don't have pension plans and health plans for life. Yes, in the good times we have the possibility, more likely the probability to make more money than a teacher but in the bad times we have a tremendous more amount of risk and that is risk that is very real right now and will continue to be for an extended period of time.
The teachers' union has been a very powerful force over the years because they have always been able to leverage "the children" against BOE's. Those days are over. We've all become very good at saying "no" to our children the last couple of years and we're going to get even better at it in the future as we all have less and less money for "things." We're also going to get very good at saying "no" to tax raises, school budgets, and expenditures on fire trucks and such. Our kids will do fine without Advanced Placement Chinese, Foods Classes and a whole host of the other liberal arts education classes that have built up over the years at RHS as we're going to realize that not only are they no longer affordable, they weren't of much value to begin with.
The last group to understand this will be the teachers and administrators because they are just too close to it to see how things are changing and they are too insulated by the current structure to feel it. But they will come to understand it and they will come to feel it when the schools are forced to downsize and "do more with less" just like the rest of us. And I don't mean just losing an aide for two days a week. I mean really downsizing and streamlining the entire operation. It is going to happen, it is inevitable
.
The teachers have every right not to participate as it is purely an optional event. However, it is pretty ironic and very indicative how ignorant they are as a group that they have chosen to boycott a long standing event run by the HSA to raise funds to fund programs and assistance FOR THEM! If I ran the HSA I would absolutely refuse the $500 contribution and explain to them they're going to need the money when the lay-offs begin because there is not a snowball’s chance in hell the budget will pass this year.
The world is different. Nobody wants to hear bad news but things have changed and they are not going to get better for a very long time despite what the Gov't is trying to spin. We are in a deflationary environment. Housing prices continue to decline, wages continue to decline, unemployment remains high, taxes continue to rise as no one wants to cut programs. Our area is very close to Wall Street and Wall Street is in big trouble. Jobs are being cut, bonuses are going to be non-existent for the foreseeable future and that is going to affect Ridgewood in a big way. Every $1.5 million dollar house that sells for $850,000 makes every $600,000 house worth $450,000 etc, etc....and that is not good for any of us.
Teachers work hard, they are responsible for our most precious assets, our children. They deserve to be compensated and they should be compensated well as they provide an invaluable service. That being said; the fact that anyone is looking for a raise in this environment is absurd. I laid off people in 2011 and will be laying off more in 2012. I have people who are thrilled that they still have a job. They are not worried about a pay increase or a bonus. They are worried about being unemployed.
It is that fear that has made the teaching profession with tenure such an emotional topic for those in the private sector. We don't have tenure. We don't have seniority raises built into our contracts. We don't have pension plans and health plans for life. Yes, in the good times we have the possibility, more likely the probability to make more money than a teacher but in the bad times we have a tremendous more amount of risk and that is risk that is very real right now and will continue to be for an extended period of time.
The teachers' union has been a very powerful force over the years because they have always been able to leverage "the children" against BOE's. Those days are over. We've all become very good at saying "no" to our children the last couple of years and we're going to get even better at it in the future as we all have less and less money for "things." We're also going to get very good at saying "no" to tax raises, school budgets, and expenditures on fire trucks and such. Our kids will do fine without Advanced Placement Chinese, Foods Classes and a whole host of the other liberal arts education classes that have built up over the years at RHS as we're going to realize that not only are they no longer affordable, they weren't of much value to begin with.
The last group to understand this will be the teachers and administrators because they are just too close to it to see how things are changing and they are too insulated by the current structure to feel it. But they will come to understand it and they will come to feel it when the schools are forced to downsize and "do more with less" just like the rest of us. And I don't mean just losing an aide for two days a week. I mean really downsizing and streamlining the entire operation. It is going to happen, it is inevitable
.
Readers says if the BOE can afford a slate roof they can afford a raise for teachers
Readers says if the BOE can afford a slate roof they can afford a raise for teachers
Just because it is something that teachers have volunteered to do in the past, doesn't mean that they NEED to do it every year. they are working 'to the contract' such as it is. If the BOE wants such good faith and good feelings and wants the these types of volunteer activities to continue, they should come to an agreement with the teachers... teachers are now contributing more and more toward their health premiums---this means the BOE has to contribute less and less..SO logic tells us that there SHOULD be monies there for some type of pay increase, not a ZERO % increase----oh yeah, I forgot, the Ed Center needed a slate roof and copper pipes, really pretty....top notch stuff!
Just because it is something that teachers have volunteered to do in the past, doesn't mean that they NEED to do it every year. they are working 'to the contract' such as it is. If the BOE wants such good faith and good feelings and wants the these types of volunteer activities to continue, they should come to an agreement with the teachers... teachers are now contributing more and more toward their health premiums---this means the BOE has to contribute less and less..SO logic tells us that there SHOULD be monies there for some type of pay increase, not a ZERO % increase----oh yeah, I forgot, the Ed Center needed a slate roof and copper pipes, really pretty....top notch stuff!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Ridgewood BOE Notes and Updates
Ridgewood School Budget
The Ridgewood Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Daniel Fishbein will host a series of drop-in coffees for residents over the upcoming months. Coffee and Conversation will provide an opportunity for the public to meet with the Board and Superintendent in a casual setting and act as a public forum for meaningful conversation.
Two dates have been scheduled for Coffee and Conversation in the 2011-2012 school year: Tuesday, January 17 (snow date: January 24) and Monday, May 14. On those dates, the public is invited to drop in at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, floor 3, from 7-9 p.m., where in an informal setting, Board members and the superintendent will engage in conversation, entertain questions, and welcome comments and suggestions. The January and May meetings will be open-ended. A third meeting in March will also be scheduled and will focus on the projected 2012-2013 school budget.
Board of Education Updates
Recap of 2010-2011 Audit Report
Assistant Superintendent for Business Angelo DeSimone presented a synopsis of the 2010- 2011 audit report. To view the PowerPoint presentation, click here : http://tinyurl.com/7gzgz3m
2012-2013 Proposed Budgets
Assistant Superintendent for Business Angelo DeSimone presented information on the 2012-2013 proposed, draft, budgets that were submitted by each school principal.
The resolution the Board accepted on December 5 is opposed to the Opportunity Scholarship Act. At the December 20 meeting the Board revisited this resolution. The vote, although tied, did not rescind the original vote on December 5 to oppose the legislation. It was incorrectly reported that the Board revisited its prior approval of the resolution and continues to support this legislation at this time
George Washington Middle School: The Board approved Change Orders #9-12 for the Addition at George Washington Middle School awarded to The Bennett Company, Passaic, NJ, in the total amount of $96,827 as listed below. Approval of these change orders brings
the total contract amount to $10,945,417.
Ridge School:The Board approved Change Orders #45-47 for the Addition at Ridge School awarded to Riefolo Construction Inc., Belleville, NJ, in the total amount of $14,951 as listed below. Approval of this change order brings the total contract amount to $3,290,802.
The next regular public meeting of the Board of Education will take place on Monday, January 23, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Board meetings may be viewed live on Optimum channel 77, FiOS channel 33 or via the “Live BOE Meeting” link on the district website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us.
After the live streaming event, Board meetings will be archived and can be found in the BOE
section of the website under “Board of Ed Webcasts
The Ridgewood Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Daniel Fishbein will host a series of drop-in coffees for residents over the upcoming months. Coffee and Conversation will provide an opportunity for the public to meet with the Board and Superintendent in a casual setting and act as a public forum for meaningful conversation.
Two dates have been scheduled for Coffee and Conversation in the 2011-2012 school year: Tuesday, January 17 (snow date: January 24) and Monday, May 14. On those dates, the public is invited to drop in at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, floor 3, from 7-9 p.m., where in an informal setting, Board members and the superintendent will engage in conversation, entertain questions, and welcome comments and suggestions. The January and May meetings will be open-ended. A third meeting in March will also be scheduled and will focus on the projected 2012-2013 school budget.
Board of Education Updates
Recap of 2010-2011 Audit Report
Assistant Superintendent for Business Angelo DeSimone presented a synopsis of the 2010- 2011 audit report. To view the PowerPoint presentation, click here : http://tinyurl.com/7gzgz3m
2012-2013 Proposed Budgets
Assistant Superintendent for Business Angelo DeSimone presented information on the 2012-2013 proposed, draft, budgets that were submitted by each school principal.
The resolution the Board accepted on December 5 is opposed to the Opportunity Scholarship Act. At the December 20 meeting the Board revisited this resolution. The vote, although tied, did not rescind the original vote on December 5 to oppose the legislation. It was incorrectly reported that the Board revisited its prior approval of the resolution and continues to support this legislation at this time
George Washington Middle School: The Board approved Change Orders #9-12 for the Addition at George Washington Middle School awarded to The Bennett Company, Passaic, NJ, in the total amount of $96,827 as listed below. Approval of these change orders brings
the total contract amount to $10,945,417.
Ridge School:The Board approved Change Orders #45-47 for the Addition at Ridge School awarded to Riefolo Construction Inc., Belleville, NJ, in the total amount of $14,951 as listed below. Approval of this change order brings the total contract amount to $3,290,802.
The next regular public meeting of the Board of Education will take place on Monday, January 23, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Board meetings may be viewed live on Optimum channel 77, FiOS channel 33 or via the “Live BOE Meeting” link on the district website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us.
After the live streaming event, Board meetings will be archived and can be found in the BOE
section of the website under “Board of Ed Webcasts
RHS PRINCIPAL SEARCH & COMMUNITY PRIORITY SURVEY CHECKLIST
RHS PRINCIPAL SEARCH & COMMUNITY PRIORITY SURVEY CHECKLIST
Superintendent Dr. Daniel Fishbein is soliciting input from the community about the attributes and priorities considered important for the next principal of Ridgewood High School. He also is seeking RHS faculty and parents willing to serve on constituent advisory committees for candidate interviews.
Click here( http://tinyurl.com/7zeq7ws ) to view both the letter that was distributed on January 6 to the high school community regarding the Principal search and the checklist of attributes form. Once the checklist is completed, it may be returned via e-mail to RHSPrincipalSearch2012@ridgewood.k12.nj.us or faxed to (201) 670-2668. Please return forms and indcate interest by Friday, January 20.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)