New Jersey’s education landscape is facing a tumultuous future as Governor Phil Murphy’s recent budget proposal ushers in big cuts in state aid to some local school districts.
Murphy’s proposed budget provided no money for the severely underfunded Schools Development Authority, which has the mission of helping poverty stricken districts pay for repairs to and building replacement of dilapidated educational facilities.
The announcement, made during Murphy’s budget address, revealed a complex picture of funding shifts that has left many districts reeling amid record increases for others.
Murphy proposed his $55.9 billion spending plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, reallocating support for schools, imposing fare hikes on public transit commuters, and leaving aside $6.1 billion in surplus fund.
On the surface, the budget plan for fiscal year 2025 promises a substantial boost in public school funding, with a staggering $908 million increase slated to bring the total to $11.7 billion.
This move represents the culmination of a seven-year phase-in of reform legislation initiated by Murphy in 2018, intended to fully fund the state’s school aid formula.
Lawmakers negotiating changes to the proposed budget before the deadline of June 30 warn that the spending plan could encounter challenges such as a shortfall in tax revenues, a looming inflation that can cause steep deficits, and other economic turmoil.
However, the devil lies in the details, as not all districts are poised to benefit from this increase.
The Department of Education’s breakdown revealed that while about 420 districts would receive more state aid than the previous fiscal year, approximately 140 districts would face cuts. This disparity has sparked a wave of concern and protest among educators, parents, and legislators.
The impact of these cuts is palpable in districts like Lenape Regional High School District, which anticipates a staggering $4.69 million reduction in state aid.
Superintendent Carol Birnbohm expressed shock and devastation, highlighting the district’s previous struggles with incremental budget cuts that have led to the elimination of services and staff reductions.
Similarly affected are Cherry Hill Schools, facing a $6.9 million funding slash, and Voorhees Township Public Schools with a $1 million cut. Parents like John Scullion are alarmed, emphasizing the potential devastating impact on students and families.
Republican Assemblymen Alex Sauickie and Paul Kanitra have been vocal critics of the cuts, attributing the funding decreases to Murphy’s flawed school funding formula.
The GOP lawmakers proposed a bill that aims to restore $210.1 million to districts hit hardest by the cuts, citing examples such as Jackson schools, which have lost $22.4 million in aid leading to significant program and personnel cuts.
Last year, Sen. Andrew Zwicker tried the same thing but his bill to provide additional aid to school districts facing the largest cuts in state funding. He said a similar bill is a possibility again this year.
“It’s so deeply frustrating,” said Zwicker. “Districts around the state are getting numbers they did not expect. It’s just the wrong way to run this system and deeply unfair to school districts. We’re right back where we started.”
In response to the outcry, Murphy emphasized the positive aspects of the reformed funding formula but acknowledged the need to work with districts facing cuts. However, the urgency remains for many districts, with looming financial cliffs and tough decisions on the horizon.
As the budget proposal undergoes legislative review, the education community in New Jersey is bracing for a challenging period ahead, with hopes pinned on equitable solutions that prioritize the well-being and educational opportunities of students statewide.