BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township school officials shared concerns about school funding and rising health care costs, while also urging families to contact state lawmakers about proposed changes tied to the state health benefits system.
During Monday's meeting, Board of Education member Smrithi Mohan said several Bernards representatives attended the New Jersey School Boards Association annual workshop in Atlantic City.
Lawmakers there discussed school funding, state mandates and health care costs affecting local districts.
According to Mohan, legislators said the governor and commissioner are focused on making sure schools are funded and are seeking input.
Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz said the New Jersey school funding formula was never meant to be a one-size-fits-all model, and that transportation and special education extraordinary aid were among areas needing attention, according to Anumolu.
Mohan also said lawmakers discussed giving districts their state aid numbers four weeks earlier.
Health care costs drew the most attention.
Mohan said the state commission approved 34.4 percent premium increases to the state health plan for 2027.
Senator Vin Gopal, identified as the sponsor of S. 4438, called the bill a starting point and pointed to specialty drug costs, plan size and the effect of Chapter 44 on districts.
Mohan also said Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie said Chapter 44 is no longer sustainable and "another band-aid won't work."
"Taxpayers are paying for it; the kids are paying for it, but they lose programs," said Bagolie according to Mohan.
Mohan also said Assemblyman Antwan McClellan described the issue this way: "it's not a political issue; it's a people issue."
The district said it has joined school administrators across the state through NJASA to push for changes to S. 4438.
"We have said many times, our district supports a better-run system. It is extremely difficult for us to support the bill as written because the bill doesn't guarantee real, long-term savings. As we all know, simply put, it is just not sustainable," said Mohan.
The district's response now includes a new advocacy page on its website, which would launch with contacts for Senator Bramnick, Assemblyman Kearney, Assemblyman Macurdy, Commissioner Laux, and Governor Sherrill.
Superintendent Kristen Fox said the district will send an alert out with the link to the page and added that PTO leaders were expected to share it with class parents.
Resolution Opposing Senate Bill S4438
Previously at its Oct. 12 meeting, the Bernards Township Board of Education adopted a resolution opposing Senate Bill S4438, saying the proposed school health benefits measure could increase district costs and add pressure to taxes, staffing and student services.
The board said it is materially affected by Chapter 44 even though it does not participate in the School Employees' Health Benefits Program.
The board cited increased net employer costs tied to premium growth, reduced employee contributions, increased enrollment and limits on local cost-control tools.
The resolution says S4438, introduced June 8, would require covered employers, including districts outside the SEHBP, to move to a statewide trust and end alternative coverage arrangements.
The board's action calls on bill sponsors and the Legislature to withdraw the measure in its entirety rather than advance it through limited amendments.
It also urges the governor to reject the bill if it reaches the governor's desk.
The resolution says replacement legislation should preserve self-insurance, joint insurance funds and other locally negotiated arrangements that provide comparable coverage at lower net cost.
The board also directed the superintendent and school business administrator/board secretary to send the resolution to state leaders, bill sponsors, the New Jersey Department of Education, the 21st Legislative District delegation and statewide school groups.
Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Basking Ridge Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.