Statement from Danielle Farrie, Education Law Center Research Director, on Governor Murphy’s proposed FY25 NJ State Budget
We applaud Governor Murphy for proposing full state funding of the school funding formula in his FY25 State Budget. It has taken a decade and a half to reach the necessary level of state aid to schools determined by the formula, so this is no small accomplishment. We also support the Governor’s commitment to expansion of high-quality preschool across the state, adding 1000 new seats in FY25. We urge the Legislature to support the Governor’s proposals and New Jersey public school students.
But reaching full state funding and supporting preschool are just a part of what’s needed to make sure all public schools have the resources to provide a thorough and efficient education for their students. State aid reductions implemented through the S2 legislation have proven to be harmful to students, and they will continue this year as S2 sunsets. Districts need additional tools, such as the property tax cap adjustment that would allow some districts to go beyond the 2% cap to fill budget gaps, and safeguards, such as proactive stabilization aid, so the most harmed districts can avoid the turbulence of unnecessary staff layoffs and program cuts.
We are disappointed to see no new investments in the Schools Development Authority to fund critical renovations and capital projects for aging, overcrowded and out-of-date school facilities in urban communities, and a very limited amount (in fact, a decrease from prior years) for emergent facilities projects in SDA districts.
Additionally, the upcoming review of the formula that’s required every three years must address the significant changes to the state’s learning standards and advancements in best practices around teaching and learning so that all schools have the resources needed to ensure school success for all learners. The Department of Education will require additional funding to support a thorough review with the help of outside experts. We recommend an allocation of $1 million in the FY25 Budget for this purpose.
Related Stories:
RECALIBRATION OF NEW JERSEY’S SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA IS LONG OVERDUE
AN ADVOCATE’S GUIDE TO THE EDUCATIONAL ADEQUACY REPORT
Press Contact:
Sharon Krengel
Director of Policy, Strategic Partnerships and Communications
skrengel@edlawcenter.org
973-624-1815, x240