Big Boosts: Which New Jersey Schools Get the Most Money?
The new education budget plan announced by Gov. Mikie Sherrill promises to raise state funding for more than 400 school districts in New Jersey. While most schools will receive modest increases capped at 6%, nine districts stand out with hikes exceeding 7%. These gains are largely tied to special education, transportation, and especially military aid or school‑choice funding.
Biggest Jump: Cape May
- 22% increase – driven by a large military aid allocation linked to the nearby Coast Guard base.
Other Notable Increases
| District | Increase | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| North Hanover | >8% | Higher equalization & school‑choice support |
| Bloomsbury | >8% | Higher equalization & school‑choice support |
| Eastampton | 7.3% | Military aid for students from service families |
| Lebanon | 7.6% | School‑choice & special‑education funds |
| Wildwood Crest | 7.6%–8.5% | Enhanced special‑education & school‑choice aid |
| Lower Cape May Regional | 7.6%–8.5% | Enhanced special‑education & school‑choice aid |
| Frenchtown | 7.6%–8.5% | Enhanced special‑education & school‑choice aid |
| Springfield | 7.6%–8.5% | Enhanced special‑education & school‑choice aid |
Funding Shift
The adjustments reflect a shift in how the state calculates funding: moving from census data to actual enrollment figures for special‑education needs.
Criticism
Some lawmakers argue that even a 6% raise is insufficient to cover rising costs like health insurance and utilities. They contend that districts should not face budget cuts when the governor touts increased funding for schools.
Overall Impact
- ~70% of New Jersey’s nearly 600 districts could see a rise in state aid if the budget passes.
- Caps on funding changes were designed to stabilize budgets, but they only limit certain categories, leaving room for significant shifts in others.
