Equitable Facilities Funding for County Vocational Schools Serving Mostly Abbott Students

The Issue

Abbott pupils who enroll in a county vocational school are essentially ignored by the CEIFA and school construction laws. They are denied the additional aid for programs or facilities ordered by the Supreme Court. Most urban county vocational districts generate the minimum level of state facilities aid (40%), despite the high poverty levels of their students. It is difficult for freeholders to fund a large county share of vocational school construction in Abbott communities when the state funds 100% of local district project costs in those same cities. This inequity in the law limits county vocational schools' ability to provide innovative programs and modern facilities that address the particular needs of Abbott students. Many urban students thrive in a vocational school setting, gaining academic, technical and occupational skills they could not achieve in a traditional high school. Despite their strong record of success with urban students, many county vocational districts are forced to turn away students due to insufficient space. State funding policy should support county vocational districts' ability to serve the needs of Abbott students, not preclude it.

Facts and Figures

8,000 Abbott district pupils attend county vocational-technical schools.

5 vocational districts have Abbott pupil enrollments above 50%:

  • Essex - 95%
  • Passaic - 89%
  • Cumberland - 84%
  • Hudson - 75%
  • Camden - 58%

Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Union & Warren counties also serve Abbott students in the county vocational school. Several have individual schools with Abbott populations above 50%.

Most county vocational districts generate 40% state support for construction projects.

The Solution

A389/S1034 will help county vocational-technical schools expand programs and upgrade facilities for Abbott students pursing vocational-technical programs.

The bill permits the Commissioner of Education to approve additional funding (up to 100%) for county vocational school construction/renovation projects that will benefit a majority of students who reside in Abbott school districts.

The bill does not require a new appropriation. It simply provides a mechanism by which the Commissioner may approve increased state facilities aid for projects that will serve predominantly Abbott students. The money would come from the pool already earmarked for school construction.

Many urban students are closed out of occupational and technical training opportunities because county vocational school expansion projects are on hold. Now is the time to pass A389/S1034 and stimulate construction and renovation of county vocational-technical school facilities that serve over 50% Abbott students.

Legislative Stats

A389: Sponsors: Assemblymen Craig Stanley and Jeff Van Drew Approved by Assembly Education Committee during 2002-2003 session

S1034: Sponsor: Senator Richard Codey Approved by Senate Education Committee during 2002-2003 session