Newly Introduced School Facilities Bond Legislation Targets Urgent Infrastructure Needs
Education Law Center applauds Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz for introducing legislation that would authorize a statewide bond referendum to invest billions of dollars in New Jersey’s public school facilities, a critical step toward addressing the State’s long-standing school infrastructure crisis.
The bill would authorize the issuance of up to $7 billion in bonds to support the State share of approved school facilities projects in SDA (former Abbott) districts and $3.5 billion in bonds to support the State share of approved school facilities projects in non-SDA districts, subject to approval by voters in a statewide referendum at the next general election.
“This bill represents a major and much-needed investment in the future of New Jersey’s students,” said Robert Kim, Executive Director of ELC. “By funding new school construction and renovations, it moves the State closer to meeting its constitutional obligation to ensure that all children learn in safe, healthy, and modern facilities.”
Under current law, funding for school facilities projects is administered through the Schools Development Authority. Legislation enacted in 2000, 2008, and 2022 authorized a combined total of over $10 billion for SDA districts and almost $4 billion for other districts. All of these funds have now been spent or committed, even as school facilities needs continue to grow statewide. Many school buildings—particularly in SDA districts—are more than a century old and suffer from serious health, safety, educational, and structural deficiencies.
With all existing school construction funds fully committed, the bill is a major step toward addressing the State’s significant unmet school facilities needs. While it will not resolve every facilities challenge facing New Jersey’s public schools, it is essential for moving long-delayed projects forward and preventing conditions from worsening for students and educators.
“New Jersey’s Constitution guarantees every child the right to a thorough and efficient education, and that guarantee cannot be met in unsafe or inadequate school buildings,” said ELC Senior Attorney Theresa Luhm. “While we do not believe funding for SDA districts should be contingent on a referendum, we support this legislation because it provides a viable path to address urgent needs. If the referendum fails, the State does not escape its responsibility. The obligation to fund these facilities remains, and the State will need to identify other sources of funding to meet that constitutional mandate.”
If approved by voters, the bonds would support the State share of eligible school facilities projects. The State would continue to fund 100 percent of approved project costs in SDA districts, while regular operating districts would remain eligible for State grants covering at least 40 percent of eligible costs.
“Safe and modern school buildings are not optional—they are a constitutional requirement and a basic condition for student learning,” Robert Kim added. “This legislation is a critical step toward fulfilling that promise.”
Related Stories:
STATE REPORT FINDS TWO-THIRDS OF SDA DISTRICTS LACK ADEQUATE SCHOOL FACILITIES
ELC URGES NJ LEGISLATORS TO FUND SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM TO MEET EXTREME NEED
Press Contact:
Sharon Krengel
Director of Policy, Strategic Partnerships and Communications
skrengel@edlawcenter.org
973-624-1815, x240