New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy | State of New Jersey Government Official Website
Governor Phil Murphy has proposed a Fiscal Year 2026 budget that allocates $22.2 billion for pre-K to 12 education in New Jersey. This figure includes $21.3 billion from the state and an additional $882.4 million from the Lottery Enterprise Contribution Act, marking a $444 million increase from the previous fiscal year.
Governor Murphy emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, "Our annual budget is a reflection of our values and, here in New Jersey, we value a quality education for every student." He highlighted the role of these funds in creating "stronger, safer, and more dynamic learning environments."
The budget proposal includes significant investments in preschool education with $1.3 billion allocated, representing a $34.6 million increase. This funding aims to expand high-quality preschool programs into new districts.
Kevin Dehmer, Commissioner of Education, remarked on the investment's significance: "This historic investment in Preschool to Grade 12 education demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the students and staff in New Jersey’s public schools."
The administration plans to enhance stability in school funding by implementing measures such as establishing "guardrails" to limit reductions in K-12 formula aid and using multiple years of property valuation and income measures.
Additional proposals include $7.5 million for high impact tutoring grants aimed at improving academic performance and $3 million for phone-free school grants to enhance classroom environments.
The budget also supports ongoing initiatives like computer science education and allocates approximately $350 million for school construction projects through the Schools Development Authority.
Information from this article can be found here.
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