Central Regional, Berkeley Get Less School Aid In Revised Budget

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

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 state slated Central Regional for $4,561,165 under Murphy's budget in February. But with his new announcement, the amount dropped to $4,374,121 — a 4.1 percent decrease. But this is still a 2.4 percent increase over the aid total for the 2019-20 school year.

The Berkeley school district was originally set for $2,843,725 for the upcoming year. But the state reduced this figure by 4.1 percent to $2,727,481. Berkeley schools received $2,673,332 last year.

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.

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"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.

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."

Berkeley and Central Regional schools will both begin the school year with hybrid models. Related article: Central Regional Schools Won't Pursue All-Remote Option

With reporting from Tom Davis/Patch

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

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