TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and Paul Kanitra are vocalizing their discontent with Governor Phil Murphy’s approach to school funding, particularly criticizing the impact on coastal Ocean and Monmouth school districts. Despite announcements of increased school funding, districts within Legislative District 10 have experienced significant reductions in state aid under the current formula, known as S2, established in 2018.
The assemblymen highlight that schools in their district have lost nearly $60 million or 46% of state aid since the implementation of S2. This reduction has led to larger class sizes and the elimination of extracurricular activities, with districts such as Brick and Toms River losing almost 60% of their funding. Despite winning a lawsuit for a more transparent explanation of the funding formula, the districts have not received comprehensive details from the state.
McGuckin criticizes the apparent neglect of suburban schools in Republican-leaning counties, contrasting the situation with Newark’s school district, which has seen a 67% increase in aid since 2018. This surge in funding has brought Newark’s aid to $1.25 billion for the current year, amounting to approximately $33,000 per student.
The assemblymen’s remarks reflect growing concerns over the equity and transparency of New Jersey’s school funding formula, emphasizing the need for reform to ensure all students receive adequate educational resources regardless of their district’s geographic or political alignment.