Clark, Garwood Schools May Get More State Aid Under New Plan

CLARK/GARWOOD, NJ — The Clark and Garwood school districts could receive more state aid under a new plan from state lawmakers to provide property tax cap relief for districts that are facing cuts.

Clark could get roughly $1.4 million in state aid for the 2019-20 academic year, a $144,000, or 11.21 percent, increase than last year, according to a plan from New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney.

Garwood could also see an increase. They could receive nearly $523,000 in aid, or $19,000 more than last year, a 3.87 percent increase.

Nearly 200 districts could, potentially, see a decrease in the amount of aid they receive.

Sweeney said this weekend he will introduce legislation to provide property tax cap relief for districts facing cuts due to a 2 percent tax increase cap championed by former Gov. Chris Christie.

Sweeney said elected officials will keep working to consolidate nearly 300 school districts as a cost-saving strategy. Read more: Renewed Push On Plan To Eliminate 275 NJ School Districts

Click here to read Patch's coverage of Sweeney's property tax cap relief plan.

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