This Week at NJ21st: Testing, Taxes and a Transplant

This was a week for the wonks;  the offerings were dense – so let’s get to it…

Starting at the State Level…

We start with another chapter in our ongoing coverage of the state’s transition to adapting testing as the DOE approved new cut scores and a 75% graduation ready rate without releasing the details that would help the public understand what those mean.

We dive into an $83M investment into rural health systems the State made;  possible through a $147M infusion from the Feds – we break down where the money is going and why it’s needed.

We move onto a NJ Supreme Court case that limits a School District’s liability concerning sex abuse cases and consider the potential impact this decision might have moving forward.

The most popular article this week connected to the NJ DOE Commissioners’ decision that creates a statewide precedent allowing teachers to use sick time for their children’s school activities and events.

NJ released its 1Q Authority Payroll Data showing two agencies eating much of the pie, vague categories and at least one significant error.

Etown Gas is planning to lower bills despite an increase in infrastructure rates (don’t get too excited).

Moving onto the Locals….

Millburn is facing an upcoming property tax evaluation and the Short Hills Association wants you to be prepared, adding to their ongoing series on property taxes.

Heading to Berkeley Heights we begin our coverage of the Agenda for the 08/11 Council Meeting where more money is being pumped into more Municipal Building problems.   Turning the clock back, just a little, we share a clip from the July Town Council meeting where a resident comes away from a Library board meeting with more questions than answers concerning finances and mission.  BH wraps up with a Night Watch episode covering BOE Ethics, Elections and Lower Columbia.

We wind down with commentary from Eliza, who explains why School Board Meetings are where residents should show up if they want to follow the money.

Last but certainly not least, we end with some wonderful news.  Andrea Samson, the young EMT whose search for a Kidney we’ve been covering, finally got a transplant.

The Socials…

Cherry Hills attempt to Sue a Journalist Fails Miserably

Top 5 Articles in July…

NJ Regional Inflation Outpaces the Nation as Luxury Housing Boom Fails to Deliver

Boards May Be Divided. The Superintendent Cannot Be.

Tensions Boil Over in Berkeley Heights: Absent Mayor, Data Center Debates, Questionable Police Expansion and Heated Exchanges

The Eligibility Trap: Inside a Princeton Mother’s Five-Year Fight to Rebuild After Ida

Significant Changes to New Jersey Family Leave Take Effect July 17

Note from the Editors

NJ21st, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(4) civic journalism organization focused on government transparency, accountability, public records and civic engagement.

We do not accept political advertising, government advertising or funding from political parties and our editorial decisions are made independently of candidates, donors, public officials and party organizations.

With campaign season arriving we want to remind everyone of our policies on Endorsements and Candidate statements.