Cranford To Use State Aid Bump For Counselors

CRANFORD, NJ - Cranford tax payers received some good news in Governor Phil Murphy's proposed budget as the Cranford School District is set to receive an increase in state aid for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year.

If the numbers hold this year, Cranford will see an 8.24 percent increase in aid. That would bring their total to $2,841,003, which is a $216,159 increase over last year.

According to Superintendent Scott Rubin, the dsitrict has plans about how the money will be spent.

"The Board of Education is very appreciative of the additional funds it received from the State," Rubin said. "The money will be used to continue the District’s focus on promoting and enhancing health and wellness and supporting positive school culture and climate."

Those plans include a pair of hirings.

"Specifically, the District will add two new school counselors, one at Hillside Avenue School and one at Orange Avenue School," Rubin said. "Currently, there are no school counselors at either of these schools; rather there is a social worker at each school with a ratio of over 700 students to one. An additional counselor at each of these schools will provide much needed support."

Rubin also noted that the district is going to partner with the NJ Coalition for Inclusive Education.

"This is an organization which supports schools in fostering an environment where children with disabilities and learning differences are welcomed as classmates, valued as learners and empowered to succeed," Rubin said. "We are excited to partner with them as we continue our efforts to promote an even more inclusive environment."

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