Provides additional State school aid to certain school districts; makes an appropriation.
Impact
If enacted, the legislation will allow qualifying school districts to receive 'Supplemental Stabilization Aid.' Under this aid program, districts that meet specific criteria, such as experiencing a positive state aid differential, will be compensated for funding losses. This bill is particularly aimed at supporting districts that struggle with variations in state funding, thereby promoting financial stability in areas adversely affected by the adjustments in state aid policies.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4136 proposes to provide additional state school aid to certain school districts facing a reduction in funding under existing legislation known as P.L.2018, c.67, referred to as 'S2'. This bill aims to address funding shortfalls that exceed one percent of a district's total operating budget from the previous school year, ensuring that no district endures drastic cuts beyond that threshold. The aid would be distributed in the 2024-2025 school year, helping to stabilize finances for districts in need.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding A4136 is its targeting of only certain districts that have seen significant aid reductions. Critics may argue that the bill does not address the underpinning issues of educational funding equity and that by narrowly focusing on specific districts, it could overlook broader educational needs elsewhere. Moreover, the bill requires districts to submit plans for future funding, which may be seen as an added administrative burden during challenging financial times.
Amends appropriations act to provide funding for restoration of State school aid reductions for certain school districts; shifts $64,920,000 from certain appropriations for purposes of restoring aid; provides supplemental appropriation of $145,215,047.
Modifies school district property tax cap law; appropriates $67.9 million to provide additional State school aid to school districts experiencing reductions in 2025-2026 school year.
Revising the special education state aid statewide excess costs calculation to count additional funding, requiring the state board of education to determine each school district's excess costs and to establish a special education state aid equalization distribution schedule to distribute certain amounts of special education state aid and requiring school districts to transfer amounts attributable to the special education weighting from their supplemental general funds to their special education funds.
"S2 Appropriations Rescue Act"; appropriates $106.5 million to provide Emergency Supplemental Aid to certain school districts, including districts negatively impacted by effects of P.L.2018, c.67.
"S2 Appropriations Rescue Act"; appropriates $106.5 million to provide Emergency Supplemental Aid to certain school districts, including districts negatively impacted by effects of P.L.2018, c.67.