Sequester Cuts Could Impact Local Schools

East Hanover Township Schools Superintendent Joseph Ricca said automatic funding cuts set to go into effect Friday could impact East Hanover schools.

Carol Grossi, superintendent of the Hanover Park Regional High School District, said, "I am concerned regarding any reduction in federal funds," but did not specify what programs could be impacted.

Most federal funding received by East Hanover schools goes towards the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) program. If that funding is affected by sequestration, it "could impact our budgeting process," Ricca said.

"The district may potentially need to make budgetary adjustments to offset any reduction in funding," Ricca said.

Funding for education in New Jersey would be slashed by nearly $30 million, the White House said Sunday. "Some folks are estimating that New Jersey could face up to $73 million in cuts to K-12 education if sequestration were to come to fruition," Ricca said.

The East Hanover Township School District received $289,763 in federal grants during the 2012-13 year, including $257,352 for IDEA Basic, $14,411 for IDEA Preschool and $17,831 for No Child Left Behind.

Sequestration could also cause drastic cuts made to health care programs and environmental protection.

Ricca said the administration would "make any and all necessary adjustments" to maintain the integrity of the local schools.