School funding concerns raised Educators, taxpayers, elected officials ask questions, offer solutions. Friday, October 20, 2006 • By ANDREA EILENBERGER • The Express-Times CLINTON TWP. | While they hold different roles in the school system, a group of school board members, administrators, taxpayers and elected officials all want to improve the way education is funded. They came from Warren and Hunterdon counties Thursday night to air concerns and recommendations. Assemblywoman Marcia Karrow, who held the meeting, will forward their comments to a Republican Assembly committee studying school funding in the state. A host of concerns were heard, including inadequate state funding, unfunded state mandates, wasteful spending within school districts, the problems of merging school districts and a lack of understanding between residents and school officials. A Clinton Township resident suggested districts post three years' worth of budget information online for public viewing. Hackettstown School Superintendent Robert Gratz said his main question is how voters are expected to "vote fairly and equitably on education." Hackettstown Councilman Paul Wallace said he is very concerned with the funding Abbott schools receive compared to districts like the one in his town. The Abbott vs. Burke cases mandated increased state funding to the state's poorest districts, a controversial precedent that still stands. "It's time for us to have the guts to say we will not allow legislation to come from the bench," Wallace said. Karrow is sponsoring a bill she says "puts the definition of education back into the hands of elected representatives." The Constitutional amendment would allow legislators to decide how thorough and efficient is defined and how it equates to the amount of state funding schools receive, she said. Gordon Pethick, superintendent of Abbott district Phillipsburg, said he worries without that extra funding his students wouldn't have basic opportunities which students of other district have. State money accounts for about 68 percent of the district's $59 million budget. "They should be the model of what (Abbott schools) do," Karrow said, adding that Phillipsburg is accomplishing more than other Abbott districts. Aides from the offices of Sen. Leonard Lance and Assemblyman Michael Doherty also attended. They are accepting comments until Oct. 31. Reporter Andrea Eilenberger can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at aeilenberger@express-times.com. © 2006 The Express-Times. Used by NJ.com with permission.