Christie To New Jersey Supreme Court: Rethink Your School Funding Formula
BAYVILLE, NJ (CBS) -- New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is asking the state's highest court to reopen the three decade old debate over how to adequately fund public education.
The Abbott decision, which redistributes money to poorer districts across New Jersey, needs another look as the Governor sees it.
"The real thing that's preventing us from teaching kids in these districts are the ridiculous work rules that are imposed upon us by statute and by collective bargaining agreements with the teachers union," Christie said.
The Governor announced his move in Ocean County, where he continues to push a plan to provide equal state funding for every student.
To illustrate his point, Christie cited the contract in Camden, one Abbott district, where teachers teach no more than 4 hours and 45 minutes per 7 and a half hour day. He figures more time, rather than money, would help.
At the same time Christie made his move, Democrats in the state senate approved a five year study, paired with increased revenue, to address the issue.
That's a proposal being pushed by State Senate President Steve Sweeney, a likely gubernatorial candidate next year.
