TRENTON, NJ – In an effort to counteract potential reductions in state aid for school districts, Senator Singleton has introduced a bill aimed at ensuring more equitable funding across New Jersey’s educational landscape for the FY2025 Budget. The proposed legislation, S-3058, seeks to mitigate the impact of sharp fluctuations in state aid allocations, which have threatened to slash budgets for numerous districts, sometimes by double-digit percentages.
Senator Singleton (D-Burlington) highlighted the necessity of the bill, emphasizing the need for stability and fairness in funding distribution without resorting to hikes in local property taxes. Under the new legislation, state aid growth for school districts would be capped at the rate of inflation. However, exceptions are made for schools in the most socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, which could see an additional one percent increase in aid.
The senator expressed concern over the current system’s propensity to create significant disparities in school funding, advocating for a model that avoids pitting districts against one another. The legislation aims to ensure no district faces cuts in funding, particularly without burdening taxpayers with increased local taxes.
Furthermore, the bill introduces a mechanism for “Necessary Stabilization Aid,” allowing districts that would have experienced aid increases above the inflationary cap to apply for additional support. This aid is designed to bridge the gap created by the new limits, with applicants required to detail their financial need and how they plan to utilize the funds effectively.