ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy, at the New Jersey Education Association Convention, has announced allocating $51.9 million in federal funds to New Jersey school districts to bolster preschool infrastructure.
The funding from the American Rescue Plan Act will assist 23 districts in creating, expanding, and renovating preschool facilities. This move is part of Governor Murphy’s initiative to provide universal access to high-quality, full-day preschool across the state.
The Fiscal Year 2023 budget included $120 million earmarked for preschool facility expansion, a first for Regular Operating Districts in New Jersey. Governor Murphy emphasized that this investment is crucial for equitable access to early childhood education, aiming to cover at least 40 percent of the cost for the 30 approved projects.
Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education, highlighted that overcoming infrastructure barriers is essential for expanding high-quality preschool services. These programs, important for early learning, feature certified teachers and include students with special needs.
The Murphy administration did not say which districts would receive the funding.
NJEA President Sean M. Spiller praised the investment, pointing to its significance for educational equity and long-term benefits for the state’s prosperity.