Resolution in Support of New Jersey State Senate Bill 2828 and Assembly Bill 4272 Concerning Educational Services for Pupils Residing on Federal Property at NWS Earle

To: New Jersey State Senator Richard D. Codey
New Jersey State Senator Ellen Karcher
New Jersey Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck
New Jersey Assemblyman Michael J. Panter

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF NEW JERSEY SENATE BILL 2828 AND ASSEMBLY BILL 4272 CONCERNING EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR PUPILS RESIDING ON FEDERAL PROPERTY AT NWS EARLE


WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 18A:38-1 clearly states that public schools shall be free to the following persons over five and under 20 years of age:
a. Any person who is domiciled within the school district; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Legislature is considering Senate Bill 2828/Assembly Bill No. 4272, which seeks to correct the wording in the existing law in N.J.S.A. 18A:38-7.8 concerning designation of the school district financially responsible for providing educational services for pupils residing on federal property located within the geographic boundaries of two or more school districts; and

WHEREAS, the Tinton Falls Board of Education is seeking to ensure that a financial model that protects the financial integrity of the school district accompanies any changes regarding the arrangement with NWS Earle; and

WHEREAS, under the existing statutory provision, the Tinton Falls School District has been responsible for providing educational services to persons of school age residing on federal property at the NWS Earle since 1988; and

WHEREAS, the proposed legislation would limit the responsibility of the Tinton Falls School District to providing educational services only to dependent children of military personnel; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Navy is considering the release of approximately 300 existing housing units on NWS Earle for privatization and rental to non-military and civilian personnel some time between 2008 and 2010; and

WHEREAS, the housing units are located in the portion of NWS Earle within the boundaries of Colts Neck Township: and

WHEREAS, the education of civilian children was never contemplated in the 1988 agreement and is an unfair tax burden to the taxpayers of the Borough of Tinton Falls and the Township of Shrewsbury; and

WHEREAS, the proposed legislation, if passed, would require that Colts Neck Township and the Colts Neck School District be responsible for the education of any civilian/non-military school age persons residing on said Federal property;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Tinton Falls Board of Education supports the passage of New Jersey Senate Bill 2828 and New Jersey Assembly Bill No. 4272.