Gov. Murphy has signed a bill that will send an additional $44.7 million to districts across New Jersey that saw cuts in state aid this year. That came after weeks of lobbying by NJEA members across the state, particularly those in districts affected by those cuts.
While it does not restore all of the funding, it represents much needed relief, providing grants equal to 45% of what was cut. Additionally, it allows certain districts to increase their budget levy for the coming school year without going to public vote. Taken together, these new resources should alleviate much of the budget pressure some districts have been facing. Most importantly, it should reduce or eliminate the need for layoffs and staff reductions in many places. In addition, the Governor signed legislation that allows for extension of budget deadlines to give districts the opportunity to adjust to the available funding.
Local presidents: for specific information about how this new funding might affect your district’s budget, or to make sure your district is fully utilizing any newly available resources to protect staffing and programs, please reach out to your UniServ office.