In his testimony before the New Jersey State Assembly Budget Committee this week, Josh Pruzansky, Regional Director of OU Advocacy-NJ, expressed the organization’s support of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2015 and reiterated that all New Jersey school children should be entitled to the same essential services to further their educational growth and ensure their health—regardless of the type of school they attend.
“We represent thousands of parents who are struggling to provide the educational opportunity they believe best suits their children. These parents pay the highest property taxes in the nation, of which 60 percent or more is used to fund public education,” Pruzansky said. “While we support the legislature’s investment in New Jersey’s public schools to assure they are excellent, we believe that all of New Jersey’s children must have the best educational opportunity possible and have the necessary tools for success, regardless of where they are educated.”
During his oral testimony, Pruzansky focused on funding for technology and nursing aid. Currently, the per student allocation for technology aid is $20. OU Advocacy-NJ is requesting an additional $180 for a total of $200 per student, which is less than what is available to a public school student, but would allow Jewish day school children to have the equipment necessary for a successful education. OU Advocacy-NJ is also requesting that the state increases the nursing aid allocation for non-public students to $200 per child as well, which would make that funding equivalent to the aid provided to public school students.
“Having qualified nurses in non-public schools is as important as having them in public schools. All students—public or private—deserve the same level of health care,” Pruzansky said.
“OU Advocacy-NJ feels strongly that whatever school(s) parents choose as the best option for their children should not limit the services available to those children. In matters of healthcare and equipment needs, all students should receive the same opportunities. We will continue to work with New Jersey state legislators to promote our argument for parity between all students,” Pruzansky added. [TLS]
Some great points made in the article. But why stop at the idea of getting more money, whatever that means. Our parents also deserve certified, trained, and dedicated staff so that our kids do not leave school severely undisciplined and severely lacking in grade and age appropriate skills. We should be glad monies to private schools are not based on standardized testing. Everyone copying off the smartest boy or getting the answers from the teacher so they all can get a grade of 110 means nothing. The message is the money is important, but a legitimate, standardized education is not so important. Lets pick things up a bit!
These are solid points but with the evil unions blocking the good due to the private school children of this state, in all likeliness the children will continue being shortchanged. Best of luck!