Voters in Metuchen and Collingswood will have the opportunity tomorrow to approve or deny funding to improve mental health services in local schools. In Metuchen, a 'yes' vote would cost the average taxpayer about $133 a year ($700,000 in property taxes). In Collingswood, it's $48 a year ($225,000 in property taxes). But education wonks argue that a ballot question isn't how mental health services should be funded. A student can't learn if she's suicidal, advocates say, so therapists and psychiatrists are essential. Two options would fund mental health services without asking voters: lifting districts' two percent spending increase cap, and working to permanently factor in these services in the school funding formula, which is a statewide distribution of aid. (NJ.com)
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