The issue of state funding for new school construction remains unresolved.

Last week, officials of the state agency created to oversee school construction in the state’s poorest communities indicated in newspaper reports that, without an infusion of new money, construction projects would come to a halt in May or June.

State Support “We hope the governor and the Legislature will address this issue in the state’s 2007-2008 budget, or through a new school funding formula,” said Edwina M. Lee, NJSBA executive director. “There remains a severe need for adequate facilities in all types of school districts.

“Many districts are hesitant to go forward with new school construction or renovations—and many voters are unwilling to approve such plans—because of the ambiguity of the state’s support for school construction.”

Low Approval Rate On Jan. 23, voters in three of seven school districts (Ridgefield, Westfield and Allamuchy Township) approved approximately $25 million in construction. The small number of proposals and the rate of approval paint a dramatically different picture from 2000-2005, when a state program provided up-front grants to reduce the amount of money districts needed to borrow for construction.