TEACH NJS delegation advocates for day school/yeshiva funding
Following the launch of the TEACH NJS initiative, which drew more than 300 members of the New Jersey Jewish community, the group brought Bergen County residents to Trenton last week, where they met with state legislators and advocated for funding bills on behalf of New Jersey’s Jewish day schools and yeshivas. The group is pressing for funding for technology, textbooks, nursing, and school security.
The state provides funding for non-public schools to have technology equipment—such as computers, laptops, smartboards, and textbooks — but only a fraction of what the students need. The state also provides funding for schools to use for full-time nurses and medical equipment, but only about one-third of New Jersey Jewish day schools and yeshivas receive enough funding to employ a full-time nurse. TEACH NJS seeks to raise these funding lines so that non-public schools have the resources to provide their students with the latest technology, textbooks, and full-time on-site nurses who can care for students appropriately.
In addition, TEACH NJS is supporting the Secure Schools for All Children Act. If passed, the legislation will allow all New Jersey non-public schools to receive funding for security services, such as guards, equipment, and technology, to ensure safe and secure school environments for non-public school students.
The delegation met with Assembly members Joe Lagana (D-38), Tim Eustace (D-38), and Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-37), as well as with Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-37).
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