Cashing In: State Labor Bill Would Allow Districts Like Hillside to Cut Costs

On June 12th, the New Jersey State Assembly approved a bill (A-2640) that would allow early retirement for employees of local school boards such as Hillside.

According to assemblymen who sponsored the bill, the early retirement incentives would closely mirror what the state did last year for its own employees as a cost-saving strategy.

"Many towns and school districts are facing tough budget matters this year, and a reduction in the workforce may help prevent egregious cuts in services or property tax increases," said bill sponsor Albio Sires, D-Hudson.

If passed into law and the Hillside school board were to decide to take advantage of the plan, the district would be able to prevent layoffs while freeing up money in the budget without resorting to tax hikes.

According to DISPATCH sources, the school board's Labor Committee and administrators have been at work looking for creative ways to deal with the cost of employee negotiated agreements in an effort to save money and prevent program and labor cuts.

Both assemblymen representing Hillside and the 29th District, Willfredo Caraballo and William Payne, voted for the bill. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.