Garden State Times

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and Paul Kanitra have criticized Governor Murphy's school funding formula, highlighting disparities in aid distribution among districts in New Jersey.

McGuckin, representing Ocean, expressed his frustration, stating, "If you’re a kid in the suburbs in a Republican-leaning county, Governor Murphy and the state Department of Education don’t care about you getting a thorough and efficient education." He also criticized the perceived lack of support for students in his districts, where aid has been slashed over the years.

The assemblyman pointed out the challenges faced by schools in Legislative District 10, noting a significant loss in state aid since the establishment of the S2 funding formula in 2018. McGuckin raised concerns about the lack of transparency in how the state determines aid figures, despite legal actions taken by affected districts.

Kanitra, also from Ocean, highlighted the substantial increase in aid received by Newark's school district compared to others. He questioned the fairness of the allocation, stating, "The Newark school system makes up one-fiftieth of New Jersey’s entire budget? That can’t be right, but it is true." Kanitra emphasized the disparity in funding between districts, underscoring the challenges faced by suburban and rural students.

Both legislators criticized the impact of the formula on education quality and property taxes. Kanitra called for a reevaluation of the funding mechanism to ensure adequacy in school funding and provide relief to residents and businesses. He likened the current system to "having a restored 1964 Ford Thunderbird with a shiny exterior and no engine. It’s broken."

Amid concerns about learning loss and rising costs, McGuckin and Kanitra urged for reforms to address the shortcomings of the existing school funding formula. Their calls for change reflect ongoing criticisms of the allocation process and its implications for students and communities across the state.