The Federal stimulus package, approved by the House and headed for the Senate, allots billions of dollars towards schools, and New Jersey school board members and administrators are eager to hear more. Congressman Rush Holt initiated a conference call yesterday afternoon with interested officials; he probably got more than he bargained for. As he attempted to read through the list of proposed cash infusions, “larger than anything we’ve ever done,” an unexpectedly large audience peppered him with questions about the effect on individual districts and how the money would be distributed.

Here’s a link to New Jersey’s proposed appropriations.

Noteworthy was the general skepticism on the part of listeners regarding the State and the DOE’s ability to handle the distribution capably and fairly. Said Congressman Holt on the usual trajectory of money funneled through N.J. State agencies, “we are aware of the regular skimming problem.” Sigh. We applaud his candor.