Southern Regional, Barnegat Get Less School Aid In Revised Budget

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — The Barnegat Township and Southern Regional School Districts will see less state aid than Governor Phil Murphy first announced in February's school funding plan. But both will receive slightly more aid than they did last school year.

The new state budget, meanwhile, didn't affect the Stafford Township School District's aid. But the district is still set to receive less funding than it did for the 2019-20 school year.

Here are the state figures to each school district:

Barnegat

• 2019-20 state aid: $20,535,935
• original 2020-21 aid: $20,695,898
• revised aid: $20,586,769

Stafford

• 2019-20 state aid: $9,065,632
• original 2020-21 aid: $8,569,069
• revised aid: $8,569,069

Southern Regional

• 2019-20 state aid: $2,501,449
• original 2020-21 aid: $2,800,453
• revised aid: $2,596,468

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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," Murphy said.

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

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

He 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," Murphy said. "Together, we will weather these challenging times and build a state that is stronger, fairer and more resilient."

With reporting from Tom Davis/Patch

Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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