THE RECORD
STAFF WRITER
The governor’s proposal to cap property tax increases should allow school districts waivers for high and unpredictable costs for special education, the New Jersey School Boards Association said Thursday.
The group noted that when a child with extreme disabilities enrolls, a district has little control over the bills but has a legal duty to provide services that can cost more than $100,000 for residential placement.
“A reasonable cap would take into account expenditures that are clearly outside a local school district’s control,” said Marie Bilik, the association president.
The Legislature began a special session Thursday to debate Governor Christie’s proposed cap barring towns and school districts from raising taxes more than 2.5 percent in any year. Christie wants a cap with limited exceptions, such as debt service and certain capital costs, and he says voters should have the say in allowing any cap overrides.
Critics charge that a hard cap is too harsh. Now, the state’s 4-percent cap on tax
The group noted that when a child with extreme disabilities enrolls, a district has little control over the bills but has a legal duty to provide services that can cost more than $100,000 for residential placement.
“A reasonable cap would take into account expenditures that are clearly outside a local school district’s control,” said Marie Bilik, the association president.
The Legislature began a special session Thursday to debate Governor Christie’s proposed cap barring towns and school districts from raising taxes more than 2.5 percent in any year. Christie wants a cap with limited exceptions, such as debt service and certain capital costs, and he says voters should have the say in allowing any cap overrides.
Critics charge that a hard cap is too harsh. Now, the state’s 4-percent cap on tax