STATEMENT OF DAVID G. SCIARRA, ELC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF AN “INITIATIVE TO FULLY FUND NJ SCHOOLS”

We welcome the Senate President’s pledge to fully fund all school districts statewide through the phase-in of new state aid under the SFRA formula. This is responsive to our call for legislators to address the funding shortfalls caused by cuts and flat aid under Governor Christie’s last six budgets.

However, there is no need for a Commission to get the job done, and no need to wait another year to begin the process. We again call on legislators to start the phase-in to full funding without further delay by providing a significant down-payment towards that goal in the FY17 State Budget.

We also underscore that approximately $275 million of the $500 million in adjustment (hold harmless) aid is allocated to districts across the state that are below adequacy under the SFRA formula. Cutting adjustment aid from these districts is contrary to the goal of moving all districts to adequacy while ensuring, as the Senate President stated, “that no students are negatively impacted.”

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Press Contact:

Sharon Krengel
Policy and Outreach Director
skrengel@edlawcenter.org
973-624-1815, x 24

Press Contact:
Sharon Krengel
Director of Policy, Strategic Partnerships and Communications
skrengel@edlawcenter.org
973-624-1815, x240