How Will Trump's Executive Orders Impact Cherry Hill Schools?

CHERRY HILL, NJ — As President Donald Trump's executive orders cast uncertainty for schools around the nation, Cherry Hill officials are awaiting information to determine the district's next steps.

President Trump signed several orders this past week that could reshape the American education system, increase the federal government's power in local classrooms and redirect tax dollars toward private schools.

In the first week of his presidency, the Trump administration also said it would allow federal immigration authorities to make arrests at schools.

But it remains unclear how many of these policies will take shape in local school districts like Cherry Hill's, especially with legal challenges expected.

The Cherry Hill School District does "not yet have complete information" on how the orders will impact the school system, according to Superintendent Dr. Kwame Morton and Board President Gina Winters.

"As we continue to closely monitor the situation, our top priority will always be the well-being and success of every student," Morton and Winters said Sunday in a letter to the school community. "We remain committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all our students while also recognizing our responsibilities under the law."

One of President Trump's orders directs federal agencies to examine using tax dollars to fund private school tuition. Another seeks to pull federal funding from schools that discuss race and gender in ways the administration labels as "radical indoctrination."

The latter particularly targets LGBTQ-inclusive education, according to GLAAD, an LGBTQ advocacy group.

"This is another inaccurate, inflammatory, highly unhinged executive order, designed to spread disinformation, chaos, and blatant lies," the organization said. "Schools should be safe for all students. Nothing in this order is normal. If implemented, this would harm every student."

From a budgetary standpoint, the federal orders add another layer of uncertainty for Cherry Hill schools, which were blindsided and spread thin by cuts to the district's state aid last year.

Cherry Hill's district, one of the largest in New Jersey, has a $251.5 million budget this school year. A small but nonetheless significant portions comes from federal subsidies — $4.6 million (1.8 percent).

Meanwhile, the district's state aid dropped from $38.4 million in 2023-24 to $32.5 million for the current school year — one of the state's largest year-over-year decreases in 2024.

The state generally unveils state aid for each district around the end of February — shortly after Gov. Phil Murphy introduces the state budget.

Morton was among the school officials in New Jersey calling on state lawmakers to unveil a more predictable funding formula for school aid. The current system, S2, is supposed to expire at the end of this fiscal year. But it's unclear what exactly will change in the years to come.

Meanwhile, the Cherry Hill district continues to follow the New Jersey Department of Education's guidance.

"We deeply appreciate your patience, cooperation, and trust as we work together to support our community, especially our students, during this time," Winters and Morton said. "Should you have immediate concerns or questions, please reach out to your child's principal."

Read the full letter below:

Dear Cherry Hill Public Schools Community,

Over the past few days, the district has received several questions regarding the recent executive orders signed by President Trump. At this time, we do not yet have complete information about how these actions may impact our district, our students, or our community.

As we continue to closely monitor the situation, our top priority will always be the well-being and success of every student. We remain committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all our students while also recognizing our responsibilities under the law.

The district continues to follow all guidelines and guidance provided by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) as we work to address these evolving circumstances. We understand that this uncertainty may be unsettling, and we will share information as soon as additional details become available.

We deeply appreciate your patience, cooperation, and trust as we work together to support our community, especially our students, during this time. Should you have immediate concerns or questions, please reach out to your child’s principal.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Gina Winters
President - Board of Education

Dr. Kwame R. Morton, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools