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New Jersey has one of the strongest public education systems in the country, and our responsibility is to ensure that every student in every community has what they need to thrive. School funding is not only about how dollars are distributed; it is about whether students have access to strong instruction, safe and supportive schools, academic and enrichment opportunities, and the resources they need to succeed after high school. At the same time, the State has heard clearly from educators, families, school leaders, legislators, and communities that the school funding system needs a fresh look. This outreach effort is focused on putting students first, managing costs responsibly, and strengthening transparency and accountability so the public can better understand how funding works and how taxpayer dollars support student success.
This update explains why the State is taking a fresh look at school funding, what the public can expect from this process, and how people can begin to participate.
This work starts from a position of strength: our students outperform national averages, and New Jersey invests more in public education than many other states. Research shows that this investment pays off. Strong schools support students, families, communities, and New Jersey’s long-term economic strength.
But the system is under real strain. Rising costs are putting pressure on districts, communities, and the State budget, and so we must find sustainable solutions for schools and taxpayers.
Over the next 18 months, the New Jersey Department of Education will listen to and learn from New Jerseyans throughout the state. The goal is to build shared understanding, gather practical feedback, and identify improvements that put students first, support stability, and use taxpayer dollars responsibly.
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New video: This week, the NJDOE added a Commissioner's message to the main School Funding Outreach page. Watch the video to learn more about the project and our goals.
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Take Action This Week
Share bright spots: Do you know about a district where students are achieving strong outcomes while creatively reducing costs? Email: FundingOutreach@doe.nj.gov.
Send your resources: Throughout the state, school leaders, policymakers, and engaged citizens have been working to find ways to clearly explain how school funding actually works in practice. Are there resources you have found to be helpful? If so, please share! Email: FundingOutreach@doe.nj.gov
Did you know?
Your property tax dollars stay local. When you pay local school property taxes, those dollars are used to support your local school district. The amount raised for schools through local property taxes is decided locally through the school budget process. Your property tax bill also pays for municipal and county services, which are separate from local school taxes.
State education aid is separate funding provided through New Jersey’s school funding formula. In simple terms, the formula looks at student needs and each community’s capacity to support its schools, based on property wealth and income relative to other districts. Together, local property tax revenue, state aid, and a small amount of federal funding support New Jersey schools.
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