School funding
will be focus of
School officials from around the state will attend a summit FEb. 12 in East Brunswick, Middlesex County, to discuss the way New Jersey funds education and how it can be reformed.
The event, called "Public Support for Public Education," is being sponsored by the Garden State Coalition of Schools (GSCS) and will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of East Brunswick High School, 380 Cranbury Road.
Items of discussion will include finance issues, revenue sources and potential reforms for a more equitable funding system for public school districts in New Jersey.
"Through the summit, we intend to increase public awareness about the concern for school funding," said Jamie P. Savedoff, superintendent of schools in East Brunswick and the president of the GSCS. "Our goal is to continue to launch a statewide practical conversation that is focused on the perspective, problems and potential for quality education."
The summit will include presentations from GSCS leaders and members, the Association of Middle Income Districts, and from school finance and state revenue experts. State leaders and legislators, who are expected to attend in order to listen to their constituents, will also be given the opportunity to speak on the issues at the end of the program.
"We are expecting a large turnout," said Lynne Strickland, GSCS executive director. "Many districts are planning to bring busses of people to the program."
The all-volunteer GSCS is made up of parents, community members, school board members and school administrators from around the state.