TRENTON, March 13, 2018—Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, New Jersey School Boards Association executive director, today issued the following statement in response to Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed 2018-2019 state budget:
“The New Jersey School Boards Association is pleased with the education funding provisions of Governor Murphy’s proposed budget.
“The proposal establishes a four-year timeline for achieving full funding of the school finance system. It focuses on the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in preparing our children for the future. And it expands pre-kindergarten programs, an essential component to ensure the academic success of all children.
“While the proposed budget would increase financial support for underfunded school districts, it would not reduce education aid in any community. That’s critically important to avoid program cuts that can hurt our children.”
The proposed budget would increase “formula aid” to school districts by $283.6 million. Overall, 94 percent of the state’s school districts would experience an increase in funding. It would also provide an additional $57.6 million for expansion of pre-kindergarten programs, as well as start-up funding for STEM-focused high school programs.
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The New Jersey School Boards Association is a federation of the state’s local boards of education and includes the majority of New Jersey’s charter schools as associate members. NJSBA provides training, advocacy and support to advance public education and promote the achievement of all students through effective governance.