New Jersey School Boards Association says tax cap should exclude special education fees
THE RECORD
STAFF WRITER
The New Jersey School Boards Association said Thursday that the proposed 2.5 percent cap on tax levy increases should exclude high, unpredictable fees for special education.
The group noted that when a student with severe special needs moves into a community, the district has little control over the expenses but faces a legal requirement to provide services, which can cost $100,000 for a child who needs a residential placement.
"Local school districts need a cap adjustment to enable them to contend with cost increases for these required services without having to diminish the general education program," said the association’s president, Marie S. Bilik.
The legislature is about to go into special session today to debate Governor Christie’s proposed constitutional amendment preventing municipalities and school districts from raising taxes more than 2.5 percent in any year. Christie’s cap could be exceeded only to cover towns’ debt payments or if 60 percent of local
The group noted that when a student with severe special needs moves into a community, the district has little control over the expenses but faces a legal requirement to provide services, which can cost $100,000 for a child who needs a residential placement.
"Local school districts need a cap adjustment to enable them to contend with cost increases for these required services without having to diminish the general education program," said the association’s president, Marie S. Bilik.
The legislature is about to go into special session today to debate Governor Christie’s proposed constitutional amendment preventing municipalities and school districts from raising taxes more than 2.5 percent in any year. Christie’s cap could be exceeded only to cover towns’ debt payments or if 60 percent of local