New Jersey Schools Brace for Cuts

Winnie Hu:

The New Jersey School Boards Association, which surveyed school officials about the state aid cuts, found that 268 districts would lay off teachers and that 185 would make cuts to their education programs.

In addition, 206 districts said they would reduce the number of extracurricular activities, and 96 would charge students an activity fee for the first time.

Districts are also seeking to save on teachers' salaries and benefits, with 195 considering reopening contracts with local teachers' unions. An additional 265 are already at the bargaining table. As an incentive, Mr. Christie this week announced a proposal to give additional state aid to districts that negotiate salary freezes.

The school boards association received responses from 323 of the state's 588 districts about how they were preparing for the possible loss of state money.

Wisconsin School District's face similar issues: the state ranks in the top 10 in per capita debt and the Federal Government's debt position continues to deteriorate. Local property taxpayers may bear the brunt of local District spending increases.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at April 3, 2010 8:22 AM
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