Lawrence Schools to Get Extra $5K in Federal Funds

An additional $8.2 million in federal funds will be distributed to school districts throughout New Jersey – including $5,124 for Lawrence Township Public Schools – as a result of a new federal allocation and “state-level efficiencies” in administering the Ed Jobs funding announced in September 2010, state officials announced today.

"In these economic times, we are doing everything we can to make sure schools have the resources they need to be successful," acting state Education Commissioner Chris Cerf said in a news release. "Through smart planning and efficient administration, we are excited to be able to free up additional funds to send directly to districts to pay for human capital costs."

In September 2010, the federal government made $262 million available to New Jersey in Ed Jobs funding, according to the news release.

School districts have until September 2012 to use these funds only for compensation and benefits and other expenses, such as support services, necessary to retain existing employees, to recall or rehire former employees, and to hire new employees, in order to provide early childhood, elementary or secondary educational and related services.

The state Department of Education held back 2 percent, or about $5.2 million, to fund staff to administer the program and develop a software system to track the required data. 

Last month, the federal government awarded almost $4 million in additional funds to New Jersey. In addition to that, through “efficient planning and prudent management,” the Department of Education made nearly $4.3 million – of the $5.2 million held back for administrative expenses – available directly to school districts.

Lawrence Township schools received $163,570 in the initial Ed Jobs allocation. With the supplemental $5,124, that total now stands at $168,694.  

A breakdown by district of the additional funding can be found by clicking here.