WHAT ME WORRY?

Alfred E Neuman has run for President in the past. Although Governor Christie says he will not run, what would a Christie administration look like? Is NJ a model for the nation? 

Money is the keynote. All NJ  Districts are to be fully funded under the adequacy standard. Governor Christie has taken money away from BOE’s claiming a fiscal crisis. Despite the law concerning fully funding the school aid formula, the Education Law Center successfully sued in NJ Supreme Court. The cuts were forced by “an unprecedented budget crisis”. When hasn’t there been a financial crisis?

Charter Schools know all about “running on empty”. Charter Schools do not receive any funds for FACILITIES including onerous laws to prevent purchasing a building. Charter Schools are not allowed to have any money owed in their Petty Cash at the end of the year. NO DEBT. Who in this world does not have DEBT? BOE’s have DEBT. The Federal Government has DEBT. Consumers have DEBT. Charter Schools? NO DEBT. NO PROPERTY. NO WAY. Alfred E Neuman would say “What Me Worry?”

Governor Christie champions Charter Schools. MORE. MORE. MORE.

We now have charters that are not only dual language but single sex, virtual, and autism. According to the law, teachers in charters were obligated by that law to be physically  in the classroom so virtual education was not possible. In BOE’s and colleges, this was possible but in Charters it was not. Now, Governor Christie has just waived his wand and there are virtual charter schools. What about the law?  

Christie was U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey in 2002. As the chief federal law enforcement officer in New Jersey, Governor Christie earned praise from leaders. However, Charter Law for adding new virtual schools was just done, no formal amendent, no change in the law. What about Facilities? Big issue …No change. It appears that money again is the key. Charters save the government big money since Charters have to pay rent out of their student’s enrollment. BOE’s get  their money from the taxpayer and Bonds and the Government Construction Agencies.

You can see the headlines everywhere…Teacher’s Salaries and Benefits. Crush the Unions. Charters are GOOD. BOE’s are BAD because they have unions. More Money. More Charters and More lower salaries and benefits. Pay for your Medical. ..Charters with a lower pay scale now have to pay more out of their pocket for medical reducing their already lower pay scale. More Money for Charters? Or, Less Money for Government to spend by taxing the Education system?

What about receiving only 90% of the enrollment funding? Charters do not get full funding. Why? The law states this reduction. The law says: The school district of residence shall pay directly to the charter school for each student enrolled in the charter school who resides in the district only 90% of the per pupil funding. BOE’s receive 100% of the per pupil revenue and get to keep the Charter’s 10%. This means a BOE receives 10% of the Charter’s funding for not doing anything but collecting funds and disbursing them. On four million funding, someone is  making $400,000. On ten million funding, someone is making $1,000,000. Will Governor Christie, the champion of Charters, change the law? No discussion on this matter. More Charters is GOOD. 

 What Me Worry?

Don't Worry Be Happy