Equitable Funding for Abbott Students Attending County Vocational Schools

The Problem

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 and facilities ordered by the Supreme Court.

When an Abbott pupil enrolls in a county vocational-technical school, the Court-ordered state aid to support these pupils is terminated. Neither the county vocational district nor the Abbott (sending) district receives the aid and the dollars originally earmarked for these Abbott students reverts to the state's coffers. Yet, the needs and disadvantages facing these at-risk students remain.

County vocational-technical schools provide critical opportunities for disadvantaged students to gain academic and career skills that prepare them for college and the workplace. Often, the opportunity for handson learning is what keeps these at-risk youngsters in school. The county vocational-technical schools strive to meet the special needs of Abbott pupils, but without the benefit of additional aid, they have limited ability to provide remedies and services such as health and social services, reduced class size, remedial instruction, school security, etc. Despite their strong record of success with urban students, many county vocational districts are forced to turn away Abbott students due to insufficient space. The additional state aid for Abbott students should follow them to the county vocational-technical school to help address their complex academic and support needs.

Facts and Figures

Over 8,000 Abbott district pupils attend county vocationaltechnical schools statewide.

Five county vocational districts have Abbott enrollments above 50%:

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

Eight additional counties also serve Abbott students in their county vocational schools:

  • Atlantic
  • Middlesex
  • Bergen
  • Monmouth
  • Burlington
  • Union
  • Mercer
  • Warren

The Solution

The needs of Abbott students do not disappear when they choose to enroll in a county vocational-technical school. A1556/S1004 permits the additional core curriculum aid for Abbott students to follow them to the county vocational-technical school, just as aid for special education or bilingual education does. Providing this additional aid for Abbott students to the county vocational- technical schools will enable them to enhance programs and services that meet the special needs of at-risk students.

The bill phases in the additional aid over four years, thereby minimizing the fiscal impact upon the state.

New Jersey's economy depends upon a well-educated workforce. The state's county vocational-technical schools are committed to preparing urban and at-risk students with the academic and technical skills they need to succeed in the jobs of today and tomorrow. State funding policy should support the ability of county vocational schools to meet the complex needs of Abbott students by permitting the additional core curriculum aid earmarked for these students to follow them to a county vocationaltechnical school.

Legislative Stats

A1556: Sponsors: Assemblymen William Payne & Craig Stanley Approved by the Assembly Education Committee in May 2004.

S1004: Sponsor: Senator Richard Codey