Ill-Conceived Legislation (Pending) Opposed by NJASBO

• Ø  A1566-Requires each school district to offer a summer payment plan for school district employees
• Ø  S125/S1674 – Requires school districts to allow charter school students, county vocational school students, and students receiving equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school to participate in interscholastic sports programs on resident district’s sports teams
• Ø  S679 – Allows establishment of county-wide purchasing system for certain school district services in certain counties; offers employment protections for certain food or custodial services employees; and regulates subcontracting by districts and public higher education

Once again we are looking at legislation pending before the NJ Assembly and Senate that is not thought through as to the impact and ultimate value for efficient operations of the public school districts.  Perhaps that is not goal; however, it will be the outcome.  Let's look at these two bills:

First, A1566 requiring all district's to provide a summer pay.  The fact is most district's are moving in the other direction for two reasons: 1) the unmanageable IRS regulations related to tracking and distribution of interest for individuals involved; and 2) the extra time on task for payroll coordinators to accomplish what can very easily be done by the employee in their own bank each pay with savings accounts.

The perspective of practitioners in the field such a School Business Officials and Payroll Coordinators vs. legislators should carry far more weight and understanding of the need to abolish, not mandate this practice.  This practice has created perhaps the most challenge and disruption to the payroll process throughout the year even though payments are dispersed in the summer.  This intensifies during the audit.  Like many district's our participation was around 12% of the total employees eligible.  Based on ROI, not worth the waste of manpower.  Consider those left with the work are also dealing with five tiers of Pension reform and change and let's not get into Health Care Reform or the contribution schedules.  Bad idea!  1/16/2014 Introduced, Referred to Assembly Labor Committee

Second, S125/S1674 - Requiring any student who does not attend the local public school system to participate in extra curricula activities such as athletics and or clubs.  This bill is also opposed by NJASBO for a number of reasons.  Let's consider the obvious cost implications; however, what about the fact that these students and or parents have made the decision to opt out of the public education system for what they perceive or believe lacks the rigor, quality or opportunity in the area of academics.  This is obviously not the case as public schools today face continued pressure to perform and prepare our students for a 21st Century Global Education!

Yet, they recognize the additional benefits of the public education system, such as facilities and programs for extra curricula and clubs.  The fact is they are simply a part of what makes public education work and work well.  These offerings and commitment to our students are simply part of an overall global educational program that remains available to our students.

It should not be used to augment or supplement the short comings of a Charter/Private school experience.

As a strong advocate for Public Education since before working in schools, I have espoused the concept of inclusion and involvement in working towards progress and achievement in our schools. Their is always room for improvement and we should never become complacent.  Rather than looking to replace or provide alternative school choices, we should work to address and improve our Public Schools by supporting them!  That is what led me to become a School Board Member in 1997 in my own community.  That is what drives me to lead in 2015 as upcoming President of the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials.