4 Essex County Schools Serving At-Risk Students Could Get $1M In Funds

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Four schools that offer special and alternative education in Essex County will get $1 million in state funding if the latest budget passes intact, officials say.

Gov. Phil Murphy presented his state budget proposal last week. Last year's budget fully funded the state's K-12 school funding formula, and an additional $386 million is included in this year's proposal. See Related: See Which NJ Schools Will Get More State Aid For 2025-26

On Wednesday, two state lawmakers who represent towns in Essex County announced that $1 million has been allocated to support the Essex Regional Education Services Commission (ERESC).

According to its website, the ERESC runs three special education and alternative schools (Essex Junior Academy K-8, Essex Campus Academy, and Essex High School), as well as programming at Sojourn High School (grades 7 to 12) at the Essex County youth detention center.

New Jersey Sen. Renee Burgess (NJ-28) and Assemblyman Mike Venezia (NJ-34), who sponsored a budget resolution for the funding, said it will be a big boost for students who face chronic disciplinary challenges, adjudication and other high-risk behaviors.

“Making these investments to upgrade ERESC’s building stock, security measures and backup and emergency power systems will enhance the learning experience for all students,” Burgess said.

“Further, these allocations will allow our teachers and staff to concentrate their energies on the very important business of educating our young people without having to worry about the security of their classrooms or other disruptions that might interrupt the flow of ideas,” the senator added.

Venezia said the funds would be an investment in students’ futures.

“This funding goes beyond infrastructure,” he said. “It's about creating a secure space where students and staff can focus on learning and growth.”

“Every student and educator deserves to feel safe in their school,” Venezia added.

The 28th District includes the municipalities of Irvington, Maplewood, Newark and South Orange in Essex County, and Hillside in Union County.

The 34th district includes the municipalities of Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Glen Ridge, Nutley and Orange.

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