Board of Education Reacts to Christie Aid Increase
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nathan Parker issues statement.
The Summit Board of Education officials have issued a statement on the news this week that Gov. Chris Christie would doubling the district's state aid allocation.
Summit Public Schools were expecting aid in the amount of $597,811 which allowed the Board of Education to present, and ultimately get approved, a budget that would increase taxes for the fiscal year by zero percent. Now, Christie has doubled the amount to $1,195,623, all slated for Special Education Categorical Aid. Summit received zero dollars in 2010.
"Yesterday, the state issued guidance on options for using this additional aid," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nathan Parker in statement Friday.
Parker, along with the Operations Committee members, said he recommended the Board of Education assess the options presented and report back to the board and public in the fall as part of the upcoming budget planning cycle.
"The Board will pursue the option that supports the District’s mission and goals and is consistent with the Board’s commitment to fiscal restraint and stability," he said in the statement.
Tom Ucko
11:26 pm on Friday, July 15, 2011
Given that this increase in state aid is unlikely to be repeated, it seems obvious that the fiscally responsible thing to do is to use is to provide tax relief rather than increase spending. I'm hopeful our Board members will recognize that.
Bobby
10:24 am on Saturday, July 16, 2011
Wow... nice comment... note the appreciation and thanks in the Super's comments.
Still a bit upset about that little cap on your salary?
Now, focus your attention on improving the cirriculum and the rigor of Summit HS and let's get our scores back up where Summit parents expect them to be.
When you turn this messa around ypu'll deserve the right to talk salary increase.
Patch Up
1:19 pm on Saturday, July 16, 2011
Seriously? Is there any need to be rude "Bobby"? I'm not saying there shouldn't be improvements. Of course there should; but the systems is so chocked with the National and State demands on testing results that the kids are being taught to take test. The other more enriching programs and a full rounded education suffers. If we don't all work together, parents, BOE, teachers and state government, we will fail together. I always love the saying that when you're pointing your finger, there are four more pointing back at you.
Gordon
12:15 pm on Saturday, July 30, 2011
With my child entering High School this fall I agree with Bobby, on the "focus your attention on improving the curriculum and the rigor of Summit HS". However, there is a better place for this unexpected money to be wisely spent and not frittered away as so often happens. I see this as the opportunity to put science labs in the Middle School. Dr. Parker has publicly stated this as a top priority. Now that there is some money there, it is time to act. It is ridiculous that a well off district in suburban New Jersey does not have MS science labs. Do something about it!