School Aid Increase For East Orange Is ‘Progress,’ NJ Senator Says

EAST ORANGE, NJ — A New Jersey senator who represents East Orange is praising an increase in state aid for the city, calling it a sign of “progress” for its cash-strapped public school district.

Sen. Britnee Timberlake (NJ-34) has issued a statement of support for the latest school aid figures, which include a boost for East Orange.

Gov. Phil Murphy held his final budget address last week. The spending plan will include $12.1 billion in funding for local school districts. Read More: More Taxes, Big Spending: 5 Takeaways From Murphy’s Final Budget

Later that week, the New Jersey Department of Education released its 2025-26 funding figures, showing how that money will support the state's K-12 schools. Read More: See Which NJ Schools Will Get More State Aid For 2025-26

The East Orange Public School District is in line to get $ 184,622,894 in state aid: a 5.33 percent decrease from last year’s $ 175,286,872. That funding will be earmarked as follows:

• Equalization Aid – $167,158,362
• Transportation Aid – $1,900,493
• Special Education Aid – $11,639,191
• Security Aid – $3,924,848

The increase in funding is welcome news in a district that has been struggling with finances – and seeing major blowback from staff members. Read More: East Orange Schools Will Cut Nearly 100 Jobs, Angry Protest Ensues

Timberlake, an East Orange resident, said the money is “imperative” for students, teachers and families.

“The East Orange School District has been struggling for far too long, and as my hometown and the district where my children attend and have graduated school, this funding is deeply personal,” Timberlake said.

“Our community has fought tirelessly for the resources our children need, and with the 2026 funding formula, we are seeing progress,” she said.

“We are committed to keeping this funding in the final state budget and fighting for even more to ensure all District 34 schools, infrastructure, and essential services continue to thrive,” the senator added.

The 34th District includes the municipalities of Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Glen Ridge, Nutley and Orange.

Two state Assembly members who represent the 34th District – Mike Venezia and Carmen Morales – also praised the funding boost for East Orange.

Not all school districts in the 34th will see an increase in state aid, however.

Belleville, East Orange, Glen Ridge and Orange will see funding increases next year. Bloomfield and Nutley will see decreases. See Related: 9 Essex County Districts Will Get NJ Aid For Preschool (See The List)

Venezia applauded the increases, but added "our work isn't done" when it comes to fighting to restore aid for Bloomfield and Nutley.

"Bloomfield and Nutley have seen reductions, and we are committed to fighting for the funding they need to ensure every school in our district has the resources to help students succeed," Venezia said.

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