Potential school aid cuts worry officials

By John Zucal, Managing Editor
The looming reduction of school aid in the governor’s 2011 budget is sending shock waves through districts statewide. This is especially so for urban areas which rely on Trenton for the majority of funds needed to support their educational programs.
The worries come after reports that Gov. Chris Christie has discussed with school administrators a reduction of education aid by 5 to 15 percent in the 2011 fiscal year budget he is scheduled to present March 16 to the Legislature. The state provided more than $14 billion in aid to school districts during the 2010 fiscal year, but approximately $475 million was withdrawn recently when districts were told to use their reserves and “excess” surpluses.
While approximately 100 districts escaped Christie’s earlier executive order, all would be impacted this time if his budget includes reductions.
Christie’s message would come approximately two weeks before districts are required to publish their budgets and submit them to county superintendents for review. It might leave little time for adjustments, especially since final numbers will not be available close to the beginning of the fiscal year, which begins July 1. The governor’s office, however, said districts and boards of education have been given ample warning.
“It is a prudent measure; we cannot be certain what the amount will be,” said Michael Drewniak, spokesman for the governor’s office, on Monday. “So we asked the districts to budget according to certain scenarios: 5 percent, 10 percent and up to 15 percent.”

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