Newark Will Vote On School Budget In 2023 Election: What To Know

NEWARK, NJ — Newark school board members recently gave a thumbs-up to the district’s latest proposed budget, setting up a final vote for the April school election.

The Newark Board of Education held a public hearing and voted to approve the district’s 2023-2024 spending plan on March 29. The $1.3 billion budget will now head to Newark voters for a final vote as part of the school election on April 25. See Related: 8 Candidates File To Run In Newark 2023 School Board Election

Property taxes in New Jersey are made up of three parts: school, municipal and county. Here’s how that played out in Newark during 2022:

• School – 30.9%
• Municipal – 54.3%
• County – 14.8%

Under the latest proposed budget, the school portion of Newark homeowners’ taxes would drop by $15 per year for the average property valued at $175,000, coming in at $1,936. See Related: Average Property Tax Bill In Newark Is Growing, Latest Data Shows

According to the district’s budget presentation, Newark schools will get an extra $114 million in state aid, an increase of 11 percent from the previous year. Read More: NJ Budget Will Impact Newark School Aid (See How Much)

Other budget highlights include:

Increased Enrollment – “This phenomenon has occurred as a result of several factors including: new schools, increased grade spans and pre-K expansion.”

Academic Funding – “We are investing and reallocating approximately $100 million directly to schools over FY 22-23, which will help us better support our students who need it most.”

Technology and Facility Upgrades – “We are also investing in critical technology and facilities needs.”

Managing Financial Risks – “We continue to identify efficiencies and cost savings opportunities while enhancing and improving our financial position.”

Some of the largest cost increases in the budget include:

• Classroom furniture and school renovations - $26 million (Classroom furniture and renovations in current schools across the district, including cafeteria and other facility needs)
• Salaries - $19.7 million (Contractual increases and C.O.L.A., for schools only)
• “District initiatives” – $18.2 million (E-Rate, contact and reengagement center, new schools, fixed assets, and other facilities needs across the district)
• Student transportation – $13.1 million (Increase in vendor rates)
• Charter schools - $11.8 million (Increased charter payment)

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