Opinion ID: 2294246
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 18

Heading: introduction

Text: The New Jersey Constitution mandates the children of this State are entitled to a thorough and efficient education. N.J. Const. art. VIII, § 4. The constitutional mandate is clear, yet implementation has proven to be problematic. The Court has confronted this daunting issue for almost four decades. Its efforts to work with the Legislature and the Governor have been reflected in a series of decisions beginning with Robinson v. Cahill, 62 N.J. 473 [303 A. 2d 273] (1973), and culminating with the Court's remand order dated November 18th, 2008. Abbott v. Burke, 196 N.J. 544 [960 A. 2d 360] (2008)( Abbott XIX ). The judiciary cannot shirk its constitutional responsibility but must remain mindful of its proper, yet powerful role in the governmental structure. As Chief Justice Wilentz noted [t]he Legislature's role in education is fundamental and primary; this Court's function is limited strictly to constitutional review. Abbott v. Burke, 119 N.J. 287, 304 [575 A. 2d 359] (1990)( Abbott II ). The Legislature of the State of New Jersey has passed, and the Governor has signed into law, a new school funding formula titled The School Funding Reform Act of 2008 (SFRA), N.J.S.A. 18A:7F-43 to -62. This court has been directed to examine whether this law meets constitutional mandates; that is, does SFRA represent an equitable and constitutional funding approach that can ensure Abbott districts have sufficient resources to enable them to provide a thorough and efficient education, as defined by the [Core Curriculm Content Standards]. Abbott XIX, supra, 196 N.J. at 564 [960 A. 2d 360]. The matter has been remanded to this court, as a Special Master, to conduct a plenary hearing to develop a full and complete evidential record addressing the issues raised by the parties. Id. at 568 [960 A. 2d 360]. Thorough and efficient education has been held to require equal educational opportunity for all children, Robinson, supra, 62 N.J. at 513 [303 A. 2d 273], and must be understood to embrace that educational opportunity which is needed in the contemporary setting to equip a child for his [or her] role as a citizen and as a competitor in the labor market. Id. at 515 [303 A. 2d 273]. Justice Handler, in Abbott v. Burke, 153 N.J. 480, 490 [710 A. 2d 450] (1998)( Abbott V ), understood, presciently, [d]isputes inevitably will occur and judicial intervention undoubtedly will be sought in the administration of the public education that will evolve under [the then announced] remedial standards. Despite this observation, Justice Handler, recognizing the reforms to be undertaken pursuant to Court mandate would be pursued vigorously and in good faith, also thought Abbott V, should be the last major judicial involvement in the long and tortuous history of the State's extraordinary effort to bring a thorough and efficient education to the children in its poorest school districts. Id. at 490 [710 A.2d 450]. It is now in excess of ten years since that hope, if not expectation, was announced. The court must decide whether SFRA represents recognition of reforms instituted in good faith, which meet the constitutional mandate for a thorough and efficient education for the at-risk children in the Abbott districts, while also being mindful of the State's obligation to all 1.4 million students in New Jersey.