New Aid Package jumps from $2.1 million in 2018 to $3.2 million for 2019 in new State Budget! Yampaglia, Massa and Papile Praise the efforts of Murphy and the Legislature!
NORTH ARLINGTON – It is literally “Christmas in July” for our school district as the new aid numbers will rise significantly for North Arlington thanks to Governor Phil Murphy (D-NJ) and the democratically-controlled General Assembly and New Jersey Senate.
Area legislators Paul Sarlo, Gary Schaer and Clinton Calabrese who all represent the 36th Legislative District approved the new aid package that sees North Arlington jump from $2,187,694 for 2018 to an incredible $3,276,493 or 49.8% ($1,088,799)!
Local observers cannot recall a spike in school state aid like this in decades.
“This is a significant spike in state aid and North Arlington has done remarkably well in Governor Murphy’s budget,” offered one former school official when asked to comment.
“Because state aid formulas change and it’s hard to forecast, this huge increase in aid tells you how committed the Murphy Administration is to small suburban school districts like North Arlington.”
Another very happy individual is North Arlington Councilman Mark Yampaglia who is seeking to replace first-term Republican Joseph Bianchi in the race for Mayor.
“When one looks for the tangible differences with the political parties, this investment truly stands out,” said Yampaglia.
Yampaglia, who was endorsed for Borough Council by then candidate Phil Murphy in 2016, is working hard to earn Governor Murphy’s endorsement again in 2018.
Governor Murphy personally came to North Arlington Borough Hall in January of 2017 to swear-in Yampaglia to a fourth term of office.
“I would like to thank Governor Phil Murphy, Senator Paul Sarlo, Assemblyman Gary Schaer and Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese for truly delivering for taxpayers, homeowners, parents, students and our school teachers. This dramatic rise in school aid is a testament to the good things happening in North Arlington schools of which I am a proud graduate of NAHS,” offered Yampaglia.
Yampaglia running-mate and former NA school trustee and board president Peter Massa, who also served two-terms as mayor was equally thrilled by the revised aid package.
“Governor Murphy is to be congratulated for his hard work along with our area legislators. The Democratic Party’s historical commitment to our schools is obvious and I’m looking forward to working again with our pupils, parents and school officials on projects, proposals and policies of mutual interest and concern,” noted Massa, an adjunct professor of Criminal Justice and graduate of Rutgers University with a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA).
Massa recalled the old days as a school trustee where budgets required voter approval.
“We needed to construct responsible school budgets if we were to gain voter support. I worked for six years on not only delivering on these budgets, but I was committed to increased standardized test scores and the successful passage of a $7.8 million dollar school referendum that constructed and created the Middle School we enjoy today,” noted Massa, a retired NAPD sergeant.
Local Democrats were quick to note the fact North Arlington received more state school aid then all of the area’s school districts here in South Bergen:
· Bogota – 5%
· Carlstadt – 17%
· East Rutherford – 11.6%
· Lyndhurst – 5%
· Moonachie – 11.8%
· Rutherford – 7.4%
· Wallington – 37.3%
· Wood Ridge – 5.9%
“A nearly 50% jump in state school aid will not only provide new investments in the district, but provide the opportunity for tax relief as well for homeowners. This is a tremendous win-win for all concerned,” said Yampaglia.
Yampaglia looks forward to working with Governor Murphy, and the area legislators that ensure good things happen for North Arlington.
“Governor Murphy came twice to North Arlington to assist us. In 2016 he came to the Arlington Diner to endorse me and financially commit to our campaign. In January of 2017 he came back and swore me to office along with Jean Williams. I can’t think of a time that has happened before. We have a strong relationship with Governor Murphy and that will be another benefit of a Mayor and Council with Democrats in the majority,” noted the mayoral challenger.
“Democrats control the Governor’s Office, the state legislature as well as county government here in Bergen. We have our own Steve Tanelli as a member of the Board of Freeholders. There is a significant advantage for taxpayers here in North Arlington to have a Democratic majority and a relationship with individuals like US Congressman Bill Pascrell, Bergen County Executive James Tedesco, Senator Paul Sarlo and Assembly members Gary Schaer and Clinton Calabrese. All of these individuals are behind our ticket for Mayor and Council,” offered Yampaglia.
“My campaign for mayor is about unity. Working with our county, state and federal partners as well as our local board of education to get things done for the people that makes sense. A team effort truly matters and this increase in state school aid is just more good news for NA,” said Yampaglia.
To speak with Councilman Mark Yampaglia, call him at (201) 602-2612.