Bergen County Deserves Its Fair Share of School Aid

School taxes are a major driver of property taxes in Bergen County, placing a significant burden on senior citizens and middle class families who are struggling to remain in their homes. Fighting for a fairer share of school funding for Bergen County should be a top priority.

Despite sending more money to Trenton than any other county, Bergen County school districts receive among the lowest levels of state school aid. The numbers are striking. According to the New Jersey Department of Education, Bergen County is slated to receive approximately $535 million in state school aid for the 2026–27 school year. That may sound like a lot, but compare it with Essex County, which is slated to receive approximately $2.16 billion and several other counties will receive more than $1 billion.

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This disparity matters to Bergen County taxpayers because when Trenton provides less aid to our school districts, local taxpayers must make up the difference through higher property taxes. Bergen County homeowners already face some of the highest property tax burdens in the nation. Because school taxes make up the largest portion of our property tax bills, the state's school funding formula is a critical issue for families and seniors alike.

As someone who has served for nearly a decade on a local Board of Education, I have seen firsthand the challenges facing both our schools and our taxpayers. Responsible local budgeting and strong schools should not have to come at the expense of homeowners who are already carrying an enormous tax burden.

Let's be clear, this is not a partisan issue. It is about fairness, accountability, and ensuring that Bergen County taxpayers receive equitable treatment from Trenton.

Here's the bottom line: when one county pays the most but gets the least, something is seriously wrong. Bergen County taxpayers deserve a school funding system that recognizes both the needs of our students and the extraordinary burden being placed on local property owners.

John Dinice
Candidate for Bergen County Commissioner