On Thursday, Feb. 5, Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz introduced legislation that would renew New Jersey’s commitment to repairing and replacing aging school buildings across the state.
The bill, S-3382, would ask voters to authorize new state bonds for school construction, expansion, and renovation projects in both School Development Authority (SDA) districts and Regular Operating Districts (ROD). The SDA, which was established following the New Jersey Supreme Court’s Abbott v. Burke decision, oversees and fully funds approved school construction projects in New Jersey’s 31 historically underfunded districts. New Jersey’s roughly 500 traditional public districts are also eligible to apply for state-funded construction grants through the authority, where the SDA typically contributes at least 40 percent of construction costs.
The bill proposes $10.5 billion in new bonds to finance school construction projects. The bill’s provisions would be presented to voters at the state’s next general election following the Governor’s signature and would take effect only upon voter approval.
“We appreciate Majority Leader Ruiz’s leadership in advancing this critical funding for school facility projects across New Jersey,” said New Jersey School Boards Association Executive Director/CEO Dr. Timothy Purnell in a press release. “Our member districts – both SDA and regular operating – face real challenges with aging infrastructure, and this initiative provides the state support boards need to create safe, modern learning environments. We look forward to working with the Majority Leader, the Sherrill Administration, and our education partners to help bring this measure across the finish line for the benefit of students throughout the state.”
“This bill represents a significant investment in New Jersey’s future by addressing the critical need for modern, safe, and efficient learning environments. By authorizing $10.5 billion in new bonds – split between SDA districts and regular operating districts – the state can finally tackle the backlog of essential facility upgrades and emergent projects that have been stalled since previous funds were exhausted,” said Dr. Richard Bozza, Executive Director of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators.
“New Jersey has a legal obligation to provide a thorough and efficient education to every student, regardless of their zip code. While the state has invested in school construction through the budget process, we have not issued new bonds since my first budget cycle in 2008, leaving an entire generation of students learning in inefficient classrooms,” Majority Leader Ruiz said. “We now stand at our strongest fiscal position in years, creating the ideal moment to act. Bonding offers us a responsible path forward by spreading costs to make projects more affordable, stimulating economic growth, and strengthening our education system.”
You can view the full press release on the bill’s introduction here.
The NJSBA recently recommitted to advocating for state funding and reforms to modernize aging infrastructure through the adoption of its 2026-2027 Legislative Advocacy Agenda and Action Plan. The Association will continue to provide timely updates on this noteworthy legislation as it moves through the legislative process.
