Verona, Cedar Grove Schools Could Get More State Aid Next Year

VERONA/CEDAR GROVE, NJ —Verona and Cedar Grove could receive more state aid under a new plan from state lawmakers to provide property tax cap relief for districts that are facing cuts.

Verona could get more than $1.4 million in state aid for the 2019-20 academic year, $155,100, or 12.4 percent more than last year, according to a plan from New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney.

Cedar Grove could receive more than $1.5 million in state aid, $113,700, or 10.8 percent more than last year, according to the plan.

"Receiving an additional 10 percent in state aid would certainly be welcomed. Much like other districts, it's difficult for us in Cedar Grove to meet the growing list of demands and mandates that are put upon us and stay within the 2 percent cap," said Superintendent Michael Fetherman. "That said, loss of funding in other districts across the state will certainly bring about hardships that will have real consequences on their students and staff."

Nearly 200 districts could, potentially, see a decrease in the amount of aid they receive under Sweeney's plan.

Sweeney said this weekend he will introduce legislation to provide property tax cap relief for districts facing cuts due to a 2 percent tax increase cap championed by former Gov. Chris Christie.

Sweeney said elected officials will keep working to consolidate nearly 300 school districts as a cost-saving strategy. Read more: Renewed Push On Plan To Eliminate 275 NJ School Districts

Click here to read Patch's coverage of Sweeney's property tax cap relief plan.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com