Trenton, NJ – The Senate has passed a bill sponsored by Senator James Beach, allowing school districts experiencing reduced state school aid to delay submitting their budgets until after the state’s FY25 Appropriations Act is enacted. Senator Beach emphasized the need to provide additional time for districts facing significant funding cuts to adjust and finalize their budgets accurately.
Facing unexpected reductions in state aid, many school districts have struggled to prepare budgets promptly after the Governor’s proposed budget was announced on March 14, 2024.
This bill, known as S-3002, aims to give districts more time to assess their funding priorities to maintain educational quality and opportunities for students amidst substantial state aid cuts.
Under the new legislation, the Commissioner of Education would be required to allow certain districts losing state school aid to submit budgets within five days after the FY25 Appropriations Act takes effect. The Commissioner is empowered to adjust the school budget calendar as needed to align with the bill’s requirements. The bill received unanimous approval from the Senate in a 37-0 vote.