Lawrence Gets No Additional School Aid

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Lawrence Township Public Schools will get no further school aid in the new budget announced by Gov. Phil Murphy.

Last week Murphy released new state aid figures, saying they will remain steady from fiscal year 2020 despite the "historic financial challenges New Jersey is facing due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic."

Initially, the school district was slated to get $6,304,442 for the 2019-2020 school year. Under Murphy's budget in February, the amount dropped to $6,241,217. With his new announcement last week, the district wasn't allotted any further aid. In fact, the district lost $63,225.

Meanwhile, more than 190 school districts from the state will see budget cuts from last year. They may need tax increases to make up for the difference.

Read more: These 190-Plus Districts May Face Tax Hike: NJ School Aid Figures.

Murphy announced that funding for school districts will keep the state on track to fully fund public schools. The revised budget proposal also includes almost $68 million in new funds over FY2020 for preschools in the state.

"Supporting our public schools has been one of the bedrock priorities of my administration, and the COVID-19 pandemic has not changed our commitment to our students, educators, and staff," said Murphy.

Murphy also announced $100 million in Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) funding to ensure schools can reopen safely.

Murphy said the pandemic has “created an unprecedented challenge for our schools."

"But I am proud that we can continue to support our districts, ensure the health and safety of students and school staff, and provide a high-quality education for all children," he said. "Together, we will weather these challenging times and build a state that is stronger, fairer, and more resilient."

The district will start its school year with remote learning this September.

This article contains reporting by Tom Davis, Patch staff

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