Urges State to fully fund extraordinary special education aid for students in 2019-2020 fiscal year and thereafter.
The bill specifically aims to alleviate the financial pressures on school districts that serve students with the highest needs. The resolution highlights that districts should not carry the exclusive financial burden of providing adequate resources for special education. Rather, it emphasizes the State's responsibility in funding these efforts, which would lead to stabilization of school budgets and improved educational outcomes for vulnerable students. This is particularly essential as New Jersey boasts a significant number of students needing high-cost educational interventions.
Senate Resolution No. 51 urges the State of New Jersey to fully fund extraordinary special education aid for the 2019-2020 fiscal year and beyond. This resolution addresses the financial burden that falls on school districts tasked with educating students who require special education services, particularly those with costs exceeding specific thresholds. Under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008 (SFRA), New Jersey is mandated to reimburse districts for extraordinary expenditures, but the current funding has been inadequate, leaving many districts underfunded and struggling to meet educational obligations.
There exists potential contention surrounding the funding levels proposed by the State, as the resolution points out that the fiscal appropriations have historically fallen short of what is required. For instance, in previous fiscal years, only a fraction of the funds needed were allocated to reimburse districts for their extraordinary education costs. This inadequacy has led to significant implications for how districts can cater to the needs of special education students, highlighting a gap between legislative intent and fiscal reality.
Senate Resolution No. 51 not only calls for action regarding immediate funding but also seeks to ensure that future budgets reflect the commitment to appropriately support local educational entities in fulfilling their obligations. The urgency of this resolution is underscored by the broader implications of underfunding special education, which can adversely affect student success and impose heavy strains on the overall financial health of educational institutions throughout the state.