New Jersey Senate Bill S3403

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/6/24
• Refer: 6/6/24

Caption

Provides supplemental appropriation to ensure certain school districts receive additional amounts of special education categorical, security categorical, and transportation aids.

Impact

This legislation is seen as a temporary measure to support school districts facing severe budget constraints due to the loss of state aid. By ensuring that these districts receive adequate funding levels equivalent to those calculated under the 'School Funding Reform Act of 2008,' S3403 aims to prevent catastrophic budget cuts that could detrimentally affect educational services and quality for students. The bill seeks to restore some equity in school funding that was lost under previous funding reallocations.

Summary

Senate Bill S3403 aims to provide supplemental appropriations from the Property Tax Relief Fund to ensure that certain school districts receive additional amounts of special education categorical aid, security categorical aid, and transportation aid for the 2024-2025 school year. The bill specifically targets school districts that have seen a reduction in state aid in both the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years and are currently spending below the adequacy budget determined by law, which is necessary for providing a thorough and efficient education.

Contention

Discussion surrounding S3403 has indicated that there are underlying tensions regarding state school funding inequities. Advocates for the bill argue that it provides necessary relief, while critics emphasize the need for a more permanent solution to address systematic disparities in school funding across districts. Concerns have been raised about the fairness of state aid distribution and whether temporary fixes like S3403 can adequately address the core issues affecting underfunded school districts in New Jersey.