Saddle Brook Schools May Join Funding Lawsuit

Members of the Saddle Brook Board of Education are considering joining several other school districts in a lawsuit against the state over unfunded mandates, northjersey.com reported.

Superintendent Richard Katz said they likely wouldn't overturn the mandates like implementing the new PARCC testing and Common Core standard, but may win some funding if the suit were successful, according to the report.

Many state school districts have been spending on technology upgrades in order to have the necessary resources for students to take the PARCC tests, which will be administered on computers. Saddle Brook will need to buy laptops, tablets and software for the new test, according to the report.

If they don't win the suit, there will be no extra funding for the district. They would also be stuck paying legal fees.

Several districts previously appealed the unfunded anti-bullying law. They won, and the state ended up appropriating $1 million to help districts implement the new guidelines.

The majority of the board was in favor of pursuing the appeal and the board is expected to vote on a resolution next month, according to the report.