TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Steve Sweeney and Wayne R. Bryant that would allow county special services and vocational school districts to share resources was approved today by the Senate by a vote of 36-2.
“This bill would create a win-win situation for taxpayers, students and school officials,” said Senator Sweeney, D-Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem. “It’s pretty simple – by allowing for the combination of these districts we would be saving taxpayer dollars while providing the same quality education for our students.”
“Right now we are educating the workforce of tomorrow,” said Senator Bryant, D-Camden and Gloucester. “We want to be able to provide the best possible education for our students, but in doing so, we also want to make sure that we don’t empty the pockets of our taxpayers.”
The Senators’ measure, S-460, would also call for the creation of a combined school board, which would consist of the county superintendent of schools and six other members, appointed by either the chief elected executive officer or the director of the board of chosen freeholders. The chairman or representative of a mental health board would also serve as a non-voting member of the board.
The measure now heads to the Assembly for approval.