TRENTON, N.J., March 23 (UPI) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Tuesday a special master's finding that his cuts in state aid to public schools are unconstitutional is insane.
Superior Court Judge Peter Doyne released his opinion as a special master for the state Supreme Court, The Star-Ledger of Newark reported. The high court will now consider the issue.
On the "Ask the Governor" radio show, Christie said the opinion is "crazy, just crazy."
School funding has been litigated in New Jersey courts for four decades, with lawyers disputing the state constitution's guarantee of a "thorough and efficient" public school education for all children.
The state Supreme Court ruled in 1985 in Abbott v. Burke that the state must improve schools in poor urban districts.
The Education Law Center, which has been involved in the litigation for decades, challenged Christie's cuts in state aid.
"The difficulty in addressing New Jersey's fiscal crisis and its constitutionally mandated obligation to educate our children requires an exquisite balance not easily attained," Doyne said. "Despite the state's best efforts, the reductions fell more heavily upon our high risk districts and the children educated within those districts."
