A few school districts -- Paterson, Irvington, Trenton and Atlantic City -- are also scheduling closings on certain Islamic holidays.

While Easter shopping is the window to spring, back-to-school is the doorway to fall and the holidays. So back-to-school shopping is a really important momentum builder.

The people of New Jersey do have a history of supporting public education. So despite the problems with state budgets and property taxes, I do think we will see a majority of budgets approved by voters.

When the taxpayers are burdened, you hear about the property tax rate and not the programs the schools are providing.

It means higher property taxes, period. . . . Whether funding is flat or slightly reduced, it's the community that has to make up for the difference.

The evidence is quite clear, it does help students from any economic strata.