Re: [LM_NET] GEN: UPDATE: Merced, CA librarians cut

[Josephine Dervan <rderva@INFIONLINE.NET>]

New Jersey may soon be in the same boat. Our property taxes are about
double the national average. The legislation has passed both the State
Assembly and the State Senate that would limit the amount of annual
increases in all public budgets to 4%. This legislation is sitting on the
Governor's desk waiting for his signature. He claims that he'll sign it
when a couple more cost saving bills are passed.

The effect of the 4% carp would be devastating to some school districts.
There is now a 6% cap on annual spending increases for schools. However if
a district has extraordinary increases in expenditures like health
insurance costs or  an enrollment increase, they may appeal to the state
Commissioner for an increase in the cap. The new legislation would
eliminate the appeal process. 

I've already heard of one school district in Gloucester County that has
already eliminated all the middle school and elementary librarians . The
high school librarian has responsibility for all the school libraries and
aides are in place in each school for daily operations.  I fear this is but
the beginning of a new round of school library cuts in New Jersey.

Jo

Josephine Dervan, Library Media Specialist
Strathmore School
Aberdeen, NJ

He who has a garden and a library, wants for nothing- Cicero

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------