JACKSON, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy touts his new S2 school funding formula as a major success that fully funds education in New Jersey. However, it’s also forcing some districts to fire teachers, cut programs, and sell schools that have served communities for generations.
One school district is resorting to digging up and selling the trees off their campuses.
The state is ignoring that as communities like Jackson grapple with the new one-size-fits-all funding formula, it is decimating their public school systems.
In nearby Toms River, it was also announced that the district has even resorted to selling off its trees.
The Jackson School District in New Jersey recently updated the community about significant budgetary challenges and the closure of Rosenauer School. During a Board of Education meeting on June 26, 2024, which community members were urged to watch via the district’s YouTube channel, the district discussed these pressing issues.
The district had proposed a Tentative Budget that required severe cuts due to the state’s requirement for a balanced budget. This budget was initially rejected by the Board of Education because of its drastic measures. The Board also rejected a proposal to increase the tax levy by 9.9%, despite it being a legislative allowance for districts experiencing decreases in state aid, emphasizing a desire to avoid passing the financial burden onto taxpayers.
However, the decisions of the Board were overridden by the state fiscal monitor, who cited the necessity to advance the budget process. As a result, the Tentative Budget, including the 9.9% tax levy increase, will go to a final vote on July 17.
The district is actively working to minimize impacts and will continue to engage with the community, the township, and local and state legislators to find solutions. A public hearing on the proposed budget will take place at the July 17 board meeting, where further community input will be solicited.
The closure of Rosenauer School is part of these budget measures, a decision shared with sorrow by the district. The district plans to assist affected families and staff during the transition and will honor the school’s community with special events. The sale of the school property will begin after the budget is finalized in July, with the district seeking to expedite approvals to use the proceeds for the 2024-2025 school year.
The district is also calling on the community to advocate for better funding by reaching out to decision-makers, providing resources for advocacy on their Budget and Financial Page. This difficult time for the Jackson School District highlights the challenges that come with funding cuts and the complex decisions school boards must navigate to balance educational needs with fiscal reality.
