Jackson, NJ – Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina today expressed his gratitude to the New Jersey Senate Educational Subcommittee for releasing $2,137,833 in funding to the Jackson School District. This financial support comes at a critical time, following a budget crisis induced by state-level cuts and extensive lobbying efforts by Mayor Reina to secure necessary funds for local education.
Mayor Reina highlighted the significance of the funding, stating, “I am extremely grateful that the subcommittee listened to the needs of Jackson Township’s children and teachers and released this much-needed funding.”
He underscored the positive outcome of $2.1 million in aid and his anticipation for ongoing discussions to ensure equitable state funding for the district. The aim is to correct imbalances in the school funding formula to support every child’s educational growth and excellence.
“Each time we spoke on the subject, they listened and the result is $2.1 million. I look forward to continuing our discussions to make sure that in the future, the Jackson School District receives their fair share of state funding for education,” the mayor said.
The stabilization aid is intended to counterbalance a severe $6 million reduction from the state last year. Council President Jennifer Kuhn lauded Mayor Reina’s initiative in addressing the funding issue at the state level, advocating for the town’s residents and children. She voiced her concern over the continued challenges posed by the state’s funding formula and her confidence in Mayor Reina’s representation of Jackson Township in this enduring issue.
“Mayor Reina saw a problem and even though it was outside the township’s realm of responsibility did what needed to be done here,” Kuhn said. “Unfortunately, we still have a long fight ahead of us to make sure the Jackson School District is not negatively impacted by a flawed state funding formula and I have full confidence in the mayor to continue representing our town on this long term problem.”
The funding ordeal underscores the broader struggle faced by the Jackson School District, which has endured $17.1 million in cuts since the implementation of the state’s new S2 school funding formula.