Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-30) has introduced new legislation (A-5788) designed to make the way state education funding is calculated fairer for New Jersey school districts.
Currently, the amount of state aid each school district receives is partly based on the district’s property values and the income of its residents. Assemblyman Schnall’s bill proposes changing this calculation by removing the costs of transporting nonpublic (private) school students from the formula.
“Many districts across New Jersey – including in my own legislative district – spend significant funds transporting students to nonpublic schools,” said Assemblyman Schnall. “My bill ensures these expenses won’t unfairly inflate a district’s perceived ability to fund its schools. By removing these transportation costs from the formula, we help districts receive state aid that more accurately reflects their financial needs.”
The current formula adds together district property wealth and income to determine how much each district should contribute locally to their schools. The new bill subtracts transportation expenses for private school students from this total, potentially lowering the financial responsibility of districts that have high nonpublic school transportation costs.
“This is about basic fairness,” explained Schnall. “School districts deserve funding that matches their real financial situations. This adjustment ensures districts aren’t penalized financially for responsibly transporting students who attend nonpublic schools.”
If passed, the legislation would take effect in the first full school year following its approval.