Sample Resolutions on Key Issues

State lawmakers are considering a number of bills that would impact local school district operations. NJSBA has drafted sample resolutions that local boards of education can adopt and submit to let their state legislators know their stance on pressing legislative issues.

NJSBA encourages local school boards to formally state their position on these issues by approving resolutions and sending them to the governor, legislative leadership, their local legislative representatives, to NJSBA, and other key leaders.

Key Issues NJSBA has drafted sample resolutions on the following issues:

• Pension and Health Benefits Reform: The February 24, 2015 report of the New Jersey Pension and Health Benefit Study Commission, “A Roadmap to Resolution,” proposes monumental changes to the state’s retirement programs. These changes include the transfer of the employer’s contributions to the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund and teachers’ post-retirement medical benefits from the state to local school districts. Local school boards can use this sample resolution as the basis to express their beliefs on this issue.
• Superintendent Salary Cap:  A-2930 and S-1987 would eliminate the cap currently imposed on chief school administrators’ salaries. Specifically, these bills would explicitly prohibit the Department of Education from regulating the maximum salary amount a school district may pay its superintendent.  The salary cap is unnecessary, has increased the rate of turnover among superintendents, and has a negative impact on the quality and stability of public education. The NJSBA urges passage of the proposed legislation. By adopting the sample resolution, local boards of education can demonstrate their support for repeal of the superintendent salary cap.

When local school boards approve a resolution on these or other education issues, NJSBA asks that a copy be sent to: Anette Airey, Governmental Relations Department, New Jersey School Boards Association, 413 W. State St., Trenton, NJ 08618; or via her email.

The Office of Legislative Services website contains a list of state legislators sorted by name, municipality and Legislative district.