VICTORY: $3.1M MORE FOR CHERRY HILL

As the New Jersey government headed toward shutdown (once again), the day was saved by a compromise between Senate President Sweeney and Governor Murphy. A more fair school funding for 2018-2019 was a key ingredient of the compromise. And that means we get $3.1M more (22% more State Funding) this coming school year in Cherry Hill. It seems this was the best politically possible solution (for this year) and we must do no less than declare a VICTORY for FAIR FUNDING, mobilized like no other year since the current funding formula was introduced in 2008. It's taken a decade to have our voices heard. What changed this year? On a local level, mostly it's that YOU got involved in the fight. You signed this petition, you made calls to elected officials, you got involved in new ways and spoke to power... because you recognized that this town is many things, but above all: a School District. And one in great need with a crippling infrastructure. Being unfairly underfunded has caused tremendous holes. There are many heroes in the fight for Fair Funding. The committee itself, based on parental involvement, with two committed co-chairs fought long and hard, gathered facts, solicited assistance, got critical meetings, testified before the legislature, met with officials elected and appointed. But it's YOU that should feel a major share of this victory not only as fighters, but as winners. In the accounting of victors, as well, the Governor of New Jersey got to go to the beach this 4th of July without causing a huge scandal. For his part, the previous governor was not to be forgotten, see: https://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2018/07/after_christies_neglect_a_good_fix_on_school_fundi.html. Hopefully you had a great 4th of July too, and likewise got to avoid scandal, perhaps on a beach. What's left? It will take 7 years to get to "full funding" whatever that ends up being (remember Assemblyman Greenwald had said 3-5 years, so this is a longer time period than expected) to bring Cherry Hill to truly "Fair Funding". There are huge implications now that we will be receiving "additional" annual funds. Will anticipated additional monies impact the bond/referendum in the Fall? Will security be a place to spend our newly won $3.1M for the coming academic year given the uproar this past year? Infrastructure is still crumbling, can we make smart investments and spend our money well to ensure a vibrant future? As the Fair Funding fight winds to a close for the year, stay active and engaged. For the latest news, LIKE "Fair Funding for Cherry Hill Public Schools" on Facebook and stay involved in the Facebook Groups (like Cherry Hill United and Cherry Hill ACTS) for discussion and debate. "The cornerstone of democracy rests on the foundation of an educated electorate." -- Thomas Jefferson See you in cyberspace and enjoy the summer!