I applaud Gov. Christie

[Jerrydevil]

As to firing teachers, if you're allowed to fire incompetent teachers, then yes, wonders will be done for the future of America.

Unfortunately, it'll be last in, first out.

[devilsfan26]

Ooohhh ... so I take it that plan is not something Christie hopes to implement?

I don't know, I haven't heard anything about him planning on implementing something like that, but I do remember both Christie and Corzine saying, "I agree with Chris Daggett" a lot during the debates.

[DaneykoIsGod]

Thought this was interesting:

http://www.app.com/article/20100323/NEWS03/100323073/Gov-to-teachers-Accept-pay-freeze-contribute-1.5-to-health-care-costs

NEPTUNE — Gov. Chris Christie has called for teachers statewide to accept a pay freeze and contribute more toward their health benefits in the next school year as a way to avoid widespread layoffs and property tax increases that many districts plan.

Christie said Tuesday that the wage freeze and a contribution of 1.5 percent of salary toward health insurance costs would save taxpayers $800 million and nearly make up for all the cuts in school aid in the state budget proposed last week.

"I'm going to take them at their word that it's all about the kids,'' Christie said in

comments to the Asbury Park Press editorial board in Neptune. '"Well, if it's all about the children, then step up to the plate.'

Christie noted that for a teacher earning $50,000, the health care contribution would amount to $750 for full medical, dental and vision coverage for a year.

"That's $2 a day,'' Christie said. "Most people spend more on coffee in a day.''

Christie noted that earlier Tuesday, he had met a woman in Somerville who had her pay frozen for two years and last year was furloughed without pay for three weeks. She could not understand the teachers' stance, he said.

"She had very little sympathy for the teachers union, which has had 4- and 5-percent salary increases and very little contribution to their health expenses,'' Christie said.

[CRASHER]

And if they're only putting 1.5% of their salary into health insurance they should STFU and just do it because the rest of us in the real world pay a LOT more

now if only he could disband tenure..... wow.....

[DaneykoIsGod]

To be fair, the article also points out what I guess is the NJEA's sticking point in not making these concessions:

Two spokesmen for state's teachers union, the New Jersey Education Association, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

But in a statement on the organization's Web site, NJEA President Barbara Keshishian called on Christie, a Republican, to extend the now-expired income tax surcharge on individuals making more than $400,000 a year.

Former Democratic Gov. Jon S. Corzine had used that income tax increase to plug a budget hole last year.

"NJEA members will not be bullied by this governor into paying for his misguided

priorities,'' Keshishian wrote. "Despite his preposterous claim that state funding for

education has actually increased, the truth is that the governor has slashed more than $1.3 billion from direct aid to local districts through his executive order last month and the budget he proposed earlier this month. Those are his priorities, and he is responsible for their consequences.''

Maybe it's just me, but this is a part of what irks me every time I hear a teacher complaining about this. It's like they think everyone in the state should have to face the consequences of the recession except for them.

[devilsadvoc8]

Many teachers do care but there are some who clearly don't and are part of the "union" machine.

When taking my kids' babysitter home one night, she lamented to me the status of her college applications. Because the district union was upset at negotiations with the township, they were refusing to do recommendations for college in order to put pressure on the town through the parents. I almost went nuts. How selfish of the union in this district to put their labor negotiations ahead of the students in such a mercenary and disgusting manner. I ended up writing a recommendation for her to help her out.

They wanted their 4-5% raise while the rest of us are feeling the effects of this downturn pretty hard. My company laid off a bunch and the rest of us had pay freezes. I am not refusing to do client work? I do my f'n job and am actually grateful that I do have it.

Edited March 25, 2010 by devilsadvoc8

[Jerrydevil]

Many teachers do care but there are some who clearly don't and are part of the "union" machine.

When taking my kids' babysitter home one night, she lamented to me the status of her college applications. Because the district union was upset at negotiations with the township, they were refusing to do recommendations for college in order to put pressure on the town through the parents. I almost went nuts. How selfish of the union in this district to put their labor negotiations ahead of the students in such a mercenary and disgusting manner. I ended up writing a recommendation for her to help her out.

They wanted their 4-5% raise while the rest of us are feeling the effects of this downturn pretty hard. My company laid off a bunch and the rest of us had pay freezes. I am not refusing to do client work? I do my f'n job and am actually grateful that I do have it.

Devilsadvoc8, that was really nice of you to write a recommendation. And if that story about the teachers using graduating seniors as negotiating leverage is true, then that is obviously a disgrace.

Wonder what the board of ed had to say about that? Maybe nothing, since many trustees are teachers.

[DaneykoIsGod]

When taking my kids' babysitter home one night, she lamented to me the status of her college applications. Because the district union was upset at negotiations with the township, they were refusing to do recommendations for college in order to put pressure on the town through the parents. I almost went nuts. How selfish of the union in this district to put their labor negotiations ahead of the students in such a mercenary and disgusting manner. I ended up writing a recommendation for her to help her out.

I'm trying to find the words to express just how disgusting of a story that is, but I'm at a loss. Just wow.

[Daniel]

Many teachers do care but there are some who clearly don't and are part of the "union" machine.

When taking my kids' babysitter home one night, she lamented to me the status of her college applications. Because the district union was upset at negotiations with the township, they were refusing to do recommendations for college in order to put pressure on the town through the parents. I almost went nuts. How selfish of the union in this district to put their labor negotiations ahead of the students in such a mercenary and disgusting manner. I ended up writing a recommendation for her to help her out.

They wanted their 4-5% raise while the rest of us are feeling the effects of this downturn pretty hard. My company laid off a bunch and the rest of us had pay freezes. I am not refusing to do client work? I do my f'n job and am actually grateful that I do have it.

You should seriously consider passing the story on to a media outlet, maybe the Ledger (although I don't know where you live).

[Devils Pride 26]

they need to trim the fat. i dont want to to hear how badly classroom size affects the teachers, because, if they are a good teacher they will find a way. under 30 kids really shouldnt be a problem. and instead of laying off teachers, why not go after the big money, guidence counslers and principals. my school has 4 vice principals and around 11 guidance counslers. we REALLY do not need that many. and of course they all make triple figures. but nope, cut sports, cut busing, f--- the kids.

[arena2004]

they need to trim the fat. i dont want to to hear how badly classroom size affects the teachers, because, if they are a good teacher they will find a way. under 30 kids really shouldnt be a problem. and instead of laying off teachers, why not go after the big money, guidence counslers and principals. my school has 4 vice principals and around 11 guidance counslers. we REALLY do not need that many. and of course they all make triple figures. but nope, cut sports, cut busing, f--- the kids.

I was out last night with some folks and had a discussion with a few people sitting next to us da ba'. Turns out they are NJEA members that are in the administration union that pays into the NJEA.

The lady I was speaking with said she was furious because the "Super of the East Windsor School System was let go but brought back at 1K per day." When I came home I looked at the local news and the district is getting hit hard because as the person I spoke with stated she had words with Sweeney and the leaders of the NJEA are eating their own.

No different than any other greedy union, the top heavy NJEA officers are in slash and burn mode killing salaries within the lower ranks of the admin union and some teachers will be let go while the Super is back making 1K per day?

"About 75 East Windsor and Hightstown residents came to Thursday night's budget meeting. One resident expressed disbelief that the teachers union would not make salary and benefits concessions to prevent job cuts from within their own ranks.

"How much is somebody else's job worth?" asked Hightstown resident Rob Thibault. "The only people the union is helping are themselves."

Hightstown resident Gene Sarafin said residents should be angry at the state, not the teachers who are asking to have their contract honored or the board who is trying to balance a difficult budget."

The name I'm looking at here is "Superintendent Michael Dzwonar" as he is interim and probably making the 1K per day here but the following reads like a USSR Playbook when only 10% of the card carrying communists ruled an empire and killed millions:

"About 75 East Windsor and Hightstown residents came to Thursday night's budget meeting. One resident expressed disbelief that the teachers union would not make salary and benefits concessions to prevent job cuts from within their own ranks."

Sound like Stalin to you?

This is the link from the Star "Unionized" Ledger where the quotes are from: http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-19/1269668730295760.xml&coll=5 and now I'm on a mission to see if 1K per day is true.

[njdevsfn95]

All of these cuts WILL affect the kids.

I wrote maybe 10 recommendations last year and my local union (many decision it has made I don't personally agree with) has specifically told us to not take any actions detrimental to the students. I can't believe there is a union that told its teachers to not write recommendation letters. Mine hasn't and if it did, I would "very quietly" write them.

I have talked to many of my students because the recent cuts have finally reached their level. Middle school sports are gone and it is rumored that all but 5-10 clubs are gone. What are they worried about? Not being able to put those clubs/activities on their resumes and applications to college!

Unfortunately, I do not have any say in what happens to the club that I advise.

[arena2004]

All of these cuts WILL affect the kids.

I wrote maybe 10 recommendations last year and my local union (many decision it has made I don't personally agree with) has specifically told us to not take any actions detrimental to the students. I can't believe there is a union that told its teachers to not write recommendation letters. Mine hasn't and if it did, I would "very quietly" write them.

I have talked to many of my students because the recent cuts have finally reached their level. Middle school sports are gone and it is rumored that all but 5-10 clubs are gone. What are they worried about? Not being able to put those clubs/activities on their resumes and applications to college!

Unfortunately, I do not have any say in what happens to the club that I advise.

"All of these cuts WILL affect the kids." Yes the cuts will "affect" the kids but what have you done except write "10 recommendations" to your local union? That's like writing Joe Biden 10 times to tell him stop talking with a hot mic on.

You have done nothing except say you basically pray for the kids while the "union" is to blame but all you can do is write while you give 30% of your pay to the union to make sure you get a 4% increase! Meanwhile, while the private sector dies you want your pension(s) and what you're saying is NJEA lip service.

I spoke with a member of the NJEA on Friday night about corruption and a "Super" being paid as a consultant $800.00 a day. I looked up the info, called the Star Ledger, my cousin who lives in the Township, sent the NJEA a nice letter and you do nothing but write notes and say "I tried but have pity on me and the kids"?

Look at this:

http://www.centralje...c2577491781.txt

Jeremy Katz wrote on Mar 26, 2010 12:58 PM: " The public is grossly misinformed about the internal operations of this district. Mr. Bolandi is back as a consultant making $800 a day, while Mr. Dzwonar and Mrs. Feaster are accumlating that in addition to their current salaries. Want to know where your taxes go, to these imcompetent morons that oversee operations. Disgusting. Gluttony doesn't begin to describe our administration, but rather a greedy group of uninvolved morons. "

I am so sick of hearing "how it's about the kids" when it is about the likes of you and your union that claims we are "middle class"! BS! You want change? Make it happen and don't cry a friggen river (or pretend to)!

Edited March 29, 2010 by arena2004

[DevilMinder]

Our township just got reassessed after a 20 year hiatus from the county and most houses doubled or tripled their assessed value. The amount of sale signs that went up was sobering. I wonder how many will go up now with people who are already teetering on the edge of affordability.

[njdevsfn95]

"All of these cuts WILL affect the kids." Yes the cuts will "affect" the kids but what have you done except write "10 recommendations" to your local union? That's like writing Joe Biden 10 times to tell him stop talking with a hot mic on.

You have done nothing except say you basically pray for the kids while the "union" is to blame but all you can do is write while you give 30% of your pay to the union to make sure you get a 4% increase! Meanwhile, while the private sector dies you want your pension(s) and what you're saying is NJEA lip service.

I spoke with a member of the NJEA on Friday night about corruption and a "Super" being paid as a consultant $800.00 a day. I looked up the info, called the Star Ledger, my cousin who lives in the Township, sent the NJEA a nice letter and you do nothing but write notes and say "I tried but have pity on me and the kids"?

I am so sick of hearing "how it's about the kids" when it is about the likes of you and your union that claims we are "middle class"! BS! You want change? Make it happen and don't cry a friggen river (or pretend to)!

who exactly are you responding to here? me or someone else? it is quite clear to me your personal animosity towards teachers gets in the way of your ability to comprehend what you read in my post. WTF is "writing recommendations to local union?"

I wrote 10 recommendations FOR KIDS TO PUT IN THEIR COLLEGE APPLICATIONS. This isn't something that gets publicized, but you ask what I do for students, so there's just one example. I've been approached by students THIS YEAR and will be writing recommendations for them as well, even if the union (local or NJEA) said not too. That would be punishing the students for something that isn't their fault.

I have not missed a single day of school since I received my first full-time job, or September 2007.

I am assistant coach of the ice hockey team.

I am an advisor for Science League.

I pay my own money to buy baked goods and clothing that go specifically to support the sport, club or charity of which my students are involved.

I arrive before contractual hours and leave after contractual hours so my students who need extra help get it. While I do not complain about this, this is known as "overtime" which is not paid time for a teacher.

I have already taken a pay freeze.

I don't pay 30% of my money to the union. Where do you get this crap?

Don't tell me it is "just lipservice" when I already know that in my district ALL MIDDLESCHOOL SPORTS have been dissolved and the likelihood of all but 6-8 clubs at the HS remaining.

That WILL affect the kids. To do my part, if given the choice to save the club, I will. However, I am 99.99% sure that the District will not even ask my opinion about it.

[MantaRay]

Sound like Stalin to you?

LOL. Da!!!

[DaneykoIsGod]

The more I learn about this, the more it becomes apparent that there is no one convenient place to point the blame.

Not all teachers oppose the wage freeze and contribution of 1.5% of wages to health insurance. And some unions/school boards are actually presenting these options to the teachers. The problem is that the noisy majorities are opposing these job-saving measures and behaving with more self-interest than student-interest.

My girlfriend is a first-year teacher who, in all likelihood, is about to be handed a pink slip. She has no problem taking a pay freeze or chipping in an extra 1.5% to health care (unlike a lot of teachers, she opted for the insurance that takes money out of her pay instead of the free one). But when she tried to join a Facebook group supporting the wage freeze, she saw that the wall was covered with comments bashing teachers on the whole. It's hard not to be embittered when you try to do the right thing but get lumped into the group that's causing the problems.

[mac760]

You have done nothing except say you basically pray for the kids while the "union" is to blame but all you can do is write while you give 30% of your pay to the union to make sure you get a 4% increase! Meanwhile, while the private sector dies you want your pension(s) and what you're saying is NJEA lip service.

30%?? You're on drugs. It's closer to 3%.

[arena2004]

The more I learn about this, the more it becomes apparent that there is no one convenient place to point the blame.

Not all teachers oppose the wage freeze and contribution of 1.5% of wages to health insurance. And some unions/school boards are actually presenting these options to the teachers. The problem is that the noisy majorities are opposing these job-saving measures and behaving with more self-interest than student-interest.

My girlfriend is a first-year teacher who, in all likelihood, is about to be handed a pink slip.

Please look at this and if you could, save this link and look at the pay these folks recieve at just one elementary school in Camden where our kids are doing so well (lol):

http://www.app.com/section/DATA/DataUniverse

CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. OLUSA DEBORAH EMasters

18

$108,484 Elementary School Principal

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. CORDIER RAY HMasters

38

$97,196 School Psychologist

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. BELL ANDREW Bachelors

10

$85,200 Assistant Principal Elementary School

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. GAIL BARBARA Masters

18

$79,273 Art

6

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. COLLIER ELAINE JBachelors

19

$79,273 Elementary Kindergarten-8 Grade

1

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. SHOWELL WANDA EMasters

38

$78,273 School Counselor

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. JOHNSON ANGIE EBachelors

23

$77,873 Elementary Kindergarten-8 Grade

1

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. DUGHI PATRICIA AMasters

38

$77,673 Lang Arts/Literacy Grades 5 - 8

5

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. BRYAN JOHN RBachelors

13

$77,273 Computer Literacy/Applications/Programming

6

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. FARMER ALICE CBachelors

24

$76,873 Elementary Kindergarten-8 Grade

1

MapCAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. OLUSA DEBORAH EMasters

18

$108,484 Elementary School Principal

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. CORDIER RAY HMasters

38

$97,196 School Psychologist

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. BELL ANDREW Bachelors

10

$85,200 Assistant Principal Elementary School

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. GAIL BARBARA Masters

18

$79,273 Art

6

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. COLLIER ELAINE JBachelors

19

$79,273 Elementary Kindergarten-8 Grade

1

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. SHOWELL WANDA EMasters

38

$78,273 School Counselor

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. JOHNSON ANGIE EBachelors

23

$77,873 Elementary Kindergarten-8 Grade

1

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. DUGHI PATRICIA AMasters

38

$77,673 Lang Arts/Literacy Grades 5 - 8

5

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. BRYAN JOHN RBachelors

13

$77,273 Computer Literacy/Applications/Programming

6

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. FARMER ALICE CBachelors

24

$76,873 Elementary Kindergarten-8 Grade

1

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. OLUSA DEBORAH EMasters

18

$108,484 Elementary School Principal

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. CORDIER RAY HMasters

38

$97,196 School Psychologist

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. BELL ANDREW Bachelors

10

$85,200 Assistant Principal Elementary School

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. GAIL BARBARA Masters

18

$79,273 Art

6

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. COLLIER ELAINE JBachelors

19

$79,273 Elementary Kindergarten-8 Grade

1

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. SHOWELL WANDA EMasters

38

$78,273 School Counselor

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. JOHNSON ANGIE EBachelors

23

$77,873 Elementary Kindergarten-8 Grade

1

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. DUGHI PATRICIA AMasters

38

$77,673 Lang Arts/Literacy Grades 5 - 8

5

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. BRYAN JOHN RBachelors

13

$77,273 Computer Literacy/Applications/Programming

6

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. FARMER ALICE CBachelors

24

$76,873 Elementary Kindergarten-8 Grade

1

Map

NJ Public School Teachers, 2008-09

Details CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. OLUSA DEBORAH EMasters

18

$108,484 Elementary School Principal

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. CORDIER RAY HMasters

38

$97,196 School Psychologist

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. BELL ANDREW Bachelors

10

$85,200 Assistant Principal Elementary School

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. GAIL BARBARA Masters

18

$79,273 Art

6

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. COLLIER ELAINE JBachelors

19

$79,273 Elementary Kindergarten-8 Grade

1

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. SHOWELL WANDA EMasters

38

$78,273 School Counselor

0

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. JOHNSON ANGIE EBachelors

23

$77,873 Elementary Kindergarten-8 Grade

1

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. DUGHI PATRICIA AMasters

38

$77,673 Lang Arts/Literacy Grades 5 - 8

5

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. BRYAN JOHN RBachelors

13

$77,273 Computer Literacy/Applications/Programming

6

MapDetails CAMDEN CAMDEN CITY Bonsall E.S. FARMER ALICE CBachelors

24

$76,873 Elementary Kindergarten-8 Grade

1

Map

I see a few things wrong with this picture as yes, this database is 2009, but 38 years teaching Language Arts and English skills stand where in Camden yet we pour millions of taxpayer $$$ into this school system because NJ taxpayers own it (if I am incorrect please let me know but I believe I'm right)?

Meanwhile, you're girlfriend will get the boot but in most cases could do more for a few kids than a teacher who has 38 years tenure and teaches 5 classes?

The NJEA is killing opportunties to teach our kids as your girlfriend could teach 8 classes, help tutor and then go home and review tests at a critical skill level of grades 5-8. Sad and also this is PUBLIC DATA and not against any laws.

The salaries will make you sick.

Edited March 30, 2010 by arena2004

[njdevsfn95]

Meanwhile, you're girlfriend will get the boot but in most cases could do more for a few kids than a teacher who has 38 years tenure and teaches 5 classes?

The NJEA is killing opportunties to teach our kids as your girlfriend could teach 8 classes, help tutor and then go home and review tests at a critical skill level of grades 5-8. Sad and also this is PUBLIC DATA and not against any laws.

The salaries will make you sick.

You may be able to find all salaries as public data and you'll find salaries that make you sick. Personally, there are salaries in the private sector that make people sick too.

You suggest that this guys girlfriend can "work 8 classes, help tutor and then go home and review tests."

Seriously? Do you even think before you write?

Edited March 30, 2010 by njdevsfn95

[mac760]

Please look at this and if you could, save this link and look at the pay these folks recieve at just one elementary school in Camden where our kids are doing so well (lol):

The NJEA is killing opportunties to teach our kids as your girlfriend could teach 8 classes, help tutor and then go home and review tests at a critical skill level of grades 5-8. Sad and also this is PUBLIC DATA and not against any laws.

Much like most of your assumptions, you are wrong. The state does not run Camden schools anymore. A little research in lue of giant font might make your points have more validity.

Link

2nd link down will tell you the state turned the schools back over in January.

I think it is common knowledge that public employees salary data is public info. But thank goodness you put it in giant font as we all might have missed that otherwise.

What is the purpose of putting in 10 peoples salaries 4x? Does this emphsize your point? Or are you trying to make it seem like 40 people get salaries over $75k at that school??

Edited March 30, 2010 by mac760

[Jerrydevil]

This is an ugly situation about to get uglier. Wait until the budgets get voted down en masse because struggling homeowners naturally find a $100 or $200 increase in their tax bill to be unacceptable in this economy. Then there's going to be enormous pressure on the teachers for concessions and enormous pressure on the governor to reinstitute the surtax on the wealthy.

Edited March 30, 2010 by Jerrydevil

[DaneykoIsGod]

The NJEA is killing opportunties to teach our kids as your girlfriend could teach 8 classes, help tutor and then go home and review tests at a critical skill level of grades 5-8.

She's a first-year teacher with three high school junior English classes (in an Abbott District where English isn't even the first language for a lot of her students), which all carry with them the burden of HSPA prep. She barely has time to eat or sleep.

Teachers ARE overworked and underpaid. They certainly aren't the only overworked and underpaid workers in the state, but the problem is that they get paid by the state and the state is out of money. It's a sh!t situation, and it seems like the Governor, the teachers unions and the teachers have all, for the most part at least, taken a hard-line stance and refuse to budge. The kids are gonna end up being the ones who pay for this.

[DaneykoIsGod]

http://www.app.com/article/20100330/NEWS03/100330001/Governor-Christie-offers-schools-wage-freeze-incentive

TRENTON — After months of criticizing the teachers' union for refusing to sacrifice benefits as the state grapples with the biggest per-person deficit in the country, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is now offering school districts an incentive to force the teachers' hand.

Christie told The Associated Press in an interview that he will offer more state aid to all school districts whose teachers agree to a wage freeze for the 2011 fiscal year.

...

The offer won't cost the state any more money. The Republican is offering to give districts all the money the state would save on Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes as a result of the wage freezes.

School districts who get the additional aid could set it aside to offset steep cuts in school aid next year. Under Christie's proposed 2011 budget, school districts would lose state aid that equals up to 5 percent of their budgets. For many districts, that will mean layoffs and program reductions.

Already teachers in several districts, including in West Essex, Boonton, Montclair and Metuchen, have voluntarily offered to freeze wages. Others have just over a week to make their final budget submissions and declare whether their teachers will accept wage freezes.

Christie started off trying to balance his first budget since being elected in November with a $1 billion hole, the result of stimulus money that has run out.

Under the proposed budget, every district would get less from the state for the coming school year than it does now.

But if teachers agree to wage freezes, districts could see a significant increase in aid. For example, a district that saves $1 million in salaries as a result of wage freezes would receive an extra $75,000 in state aid.

...

The NJEA opposes the wage-freeze incentive, calling it "another attempt to deflect public attention from the governor's decision to cut from education," said spokesman Steve Wollmer. "It's a very troubling proposal."

The group accuses Christie of politicizing state aid to further his agenda against the unions: "He's trying to force middle-class teachers and school employees to pay the price of his misplaced priorities."

The New Jersey School Boards Association is supportive of the move. The group recently sampled 23 of the state's more than 600 school districts and found that wage freezes in those districts alone would save $59 million this year.

NJSBA spokesman Frank Belluscio said school administrators are also taking wage freezes to help save money.

Say what you will about Christie ... that he could have found money to plug the gap elsewhere, that he looks like Larry David's agent on Curb Your Enthusiasm ... at least the guy is coming up with ideas. The NJEA just looks worse and worse as this mess moves forward.

[mac760]

This is an ugly situation about to get uglier. Wait until the budgets get voted down en masse because struggling homeowners naturally find a $100 or $200 increase in their tax bill to be unacceptable in this economy. Then there's going to be enormous pressure on the teachers for concessions and enormous pressure on the governor to reinstitute the surtax on the wealthy.

I think that was said last year and 73% of the budgets passed.

Not that that really matters as when the budgets fail then the town councils vote on them and they pass anyway with minimal cuts.