Garden State Times

Assemblymen Alex Sauickie and Rob Clifton are demanding answers and school-funding reform following the release of state aid numbers that revealed significant cuts to school districts in Legislative District 12. Sauickie expressed his frustration, stating, “I need one of you to explain to me how this administration and the Department of Education can say they have fully funded the education formula when these numbers show another overall decrease to the school districts in Legislative District 12.”

The Education Department's data showed that Jackson Township and Old Bridge school districts are set to lose nearly $7 million next year, with Jackson Township facing a $4.5 million reduction and Old Bridge losing $2.5 million. Sauickie highlighted the impact of these cuts, particularly on Jackson Township, which has already endured $18 million in cuts over the past six years, resulting in the elimination of over 200 positions and various programs.

Clifton emphasized the need for a more equitable funding formula, stating, “Our schools and most importantly, our students, deserve a more predictable and equitable funding formula. It is impossible for a school district to prepare for the type of devastating cuts this administration has delivered.” He expressed concern over the detrimental effects of the funding cuts on students, leading to teacher layoffs, program eliminations, and reduced educational opportunities.

Despite the promises of fairer distribution of public school aid through the 2018 school funding measure, many districts continue to face cuts year after year without transparency on how the aid formula is determined. Clifton criticized the administration for touting historic education funding while numerous school districts across the state are experiencing significant funding reductions, calling for structural school funding reform.

Sauickie and Clifton vowed to advocate for fully funded schools for all New Jersey's children, stating, “We’ll continue to be our districts’ voice in Trenton and fight for fully funded schools for all New Jersey’s children.”