State Rep. John Dimaio, Minority Leader - District 23 | Official U.S. House headshot
State Rep. John Dimaio, Minority Leader - District 23 | Official U.S. House headshot
TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Alex Sauickie delivered a stark message to the Assembly during its voting session on Monday, stating that some schools are facing severe financial challenges with no further room for budget cuts. Sauickie highlighted the dire situation in the Jackson Township School District, where even the state-appointed school monitor acknowledged the lack of options for cost reductions.
Referring to a meeting with the state Department of Education, Sauickie expressed frustration, stating, “What tools do we have? You’re the DOE…What can you offer them?” He recounted the response he received, indicating that tough decisions such as cutting sports teams and positions may be necessary. Despite the potential savings from cutting sports teams, Sauickie emphasized that it would only amount to $1 million, significantly short of the district's $30 million deficit for the upcoming academic year.
The financial strain on Jackson schools has been exacerbated by a loss of $22.4 million in state aid since 2019. Similarly, Plumsted schools are grappling with a $2.4 million shortfall for the next year, leading to cuts in clubs and staff positions. Sauickie revealed that Plumsted has lost $6.8 million in state aid over the past two years.
In response to the challenging circumstances faced by numerous school districts, Sauickie reluctantly supported legislation that aims to provide grants to districts to address some of the cuts. The bill, however, falls short of resolving the immediate financial crisis for many schools.
Despite the temporary relief offered by the proposed legislation, Sauickie emphasized the ongoing desperation felt by school districts in need of substantial support. The Assemblyman's call for sustainable solutions and increased funding for all school districts underscores the urgency of addressing the financial struggles faced by educational institutions across the state.
For further details, a video of Sauickie’s speech is available on his Facebook page, “Assemblyman Alex Sauickie.”
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