That money is no longer there, and now there is a gap. We'll see increases in property taxes result from that.

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.

What's increasing taxes is expenditures. We provide a lot of services. We spend a lot of money. There are two options - raise taxes or reduce services.

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.

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