“The State of New Jersey is proud to stand alongside our local school districts in funding the nation’s best public schools, which remain the foundation for economic and social mobility in our country and the best place for our kids to get their shot at a better life.
“At its most basic level, the State’s current formula’s student-centered focus gets that part of the question right. We should be, and are, making sure the funds are steered to the students and communities that need them most. It is my hope that, regardless of what changes come, that principle should hold.
“That said, I agree that it is time to reevaluate the State’s funding formula and where we are heading given recent years’ volatility, which in some cases has left districts too little time to appropriately plan and deliver a balanced school budget.
“I have engaged both the Murphy and Sherrill administrations on my legislation, A3881, to reduce year-to-year formula volatility and increase predictability and transparency for school districts and families. I believe the proposed process of engaging statewide stakeholders to ensure all voices are heard will help in achieving the goals of that legislation, as well as maximizing the public’s return on investment in a changing education and economic landscape. The Assembly plans to be an active participant in the process.”