Summit Schools To Get Large State Aid Increase

SUMMIT, NJ — Public schools, and their students, can always use more funds. Luckily for Summit's kids, numbers released on Thursday say that the district will get more state aid for the 2020-2021 school year than the current year.

Louis Pepe, the assistant superintendent for business in the Summit School District, said, “We are exceedingly pleased with the number that was reported, which represents an increase of $435,300. This much needed revenue will allow us to construct a final budget that is under 2 percent [increase], while allowing for fiscally responsible budgeting."

He added, "We will continue to finalize our tentative budget in preparation of Thursday’s [Board of School Estimate] presentation. However at this point the work just got a lot easier.”

On Thursday, the administration of Gov. Phil Murphy released proposed aid numbers for every school district. A total of 193 school districts, or about a third, will see a decrease under his school funding plan, meaning they may have to raise taxes or tighten their belts somehow (see list here).

However, overall, state aid for all districts is expected to increase 3.8 percent next year.

The plan still requires approval from the state legislature.

Summit is one of several nearby towns that will see an increase this year.

According to the numbers released Thursday, the district will get a whopping 16.95 percent more state aid for grades K-12 next year than during the current year.

Some districts will have to make up for the loss by finding other revenue sources, cutting programs, or instituting layoffs.

Those wanting to see the fruits of Summit students' and educators' labors can check out Patch's articles on plays and other programs in the local public schools by clicking here.