TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Steve Sweeney and Wayne R. Bryant that would allow county special services and vocational districts to share resources was approved today by the Senate Education Committee.
“This measure would help counties make the best of the funding appropriated to them for local school districts,” said Senator Sweeney, D-Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem, who is a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. “Combining these two programs would create a wealth of resources and allow New Jersey’s students to receive the best possible training for tomorrow’s workforce.”
“By allowing school districts to share resources, this bill would save money for everyone, and allow students to benefit from combined resources,” said Senator Bryant, D-Camden and Gloucester, who serves as Chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Education Panel. “The State has a budget deficit – that’s a well known fact. New Jersey’s students should not have to sacrifice crucial programs because of a lack of funding.”
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.
This measure now heads to the full Senate for a vote.