Twenty Republican members of the General Assembly sent a letter this week urging state authorities to reject a proposed $500 million, 30-year lease agreement by Newark Public Schools, following what they described as years of taxpayer waste in New Jersey’s highest-funded school district. The letter was addressed to the Education Department, the Comptroller, and the Local Finance Board after Newark’s Board of Education approved the lease proposal for a building owned by a politically connected developer on March 25.
The lawmakers said their concerns stem from ongoing issues with financial management in Newark Public Schools and emphasized that most funding comes from taxpayers outside Newark. “If you allow this agreement to proceed, you will cement New Jerseyans’ distrust in government and put future school funding for 1.3 million students in jeopardy,” they wrote.
The Republicans pointed to previous spending decisions such as a $44,000 staff “Fun Day” and trips for board members and administrators as examples of public funds being misused. They noted that state taxpayers contribute about 83% of the district’s upcoming $1.67 billion budget—totaling approximately $1.38 billion—and highlighted that while state funding is increasing by $60.5 million, student performance remains low with roughly 70% struggling to read at grade level and 80% failing math standards.
“Taxpayer dollars belong in the classroom supporting instruction, not wasted on exorbitantly expensive and politically connected contracts,” they continued. The group also criticized both the current $300 million lease for another school building and compared these costs unfavorably with new construction projects elsewhere in New Jersey—including Perth Amboy High School’s $284 million price tag—while noting that nine new schools have been built in Newark over two decades.
The legislators said other districts are facing cuts even as Newark considers this large-scale expenditure: “other schools across the state are forced to cut programs, fire teachers, and sell property to stay afloat.” In their letter they urged authorities: “Reject Newark’s latest $500 million debacle when the plan arrives at your office… The buck stops with you.”
John DiMaio is among those leading this effort; he has served as Minority Leader since 2022 after joining the General Assembly in 2009 according to his official legislative roster. DiMaio represents District 23—including Hackettstown—and previously held roles such as Appropriations Officer (2012-2017) and Budget Officer (2018-2019) as reported by his official legislative roster. He also served on Warren County’s Board of Freeholders (2000-2009) and was mayor of Hackettstown from 1991 through 1999 according to his official legislative roster.
Observers will watch how state officials respond when considering approval or rejection of this high-profile proposal.
