State Aid For West Orange Schools Remains Flat

West Orange Schools received some welcome news Thursday when state aid figures revealed the district’s state aid figures for next year would remain flat.

"I think we are fortunate to have stable state aid," Interim Superintendent James O'Neill said.  "We are always hopeful of getting an increase in state aid, but this year with the economy which is struggling through a very slow recovery I am delighted we are being flat funded."

Earlier in the week, there were fears the pending $85 billion in federal sequestration spending cuts would reduce aid to districts across the state. 

The Education Allocation Plan, announced by Gov. Chris Christie Thursday, authorizes the largest appropriation of K-12 education dollars in the state's history. The budget proposal includes nearly $9 billion in state aid, an increase of $97.3 million from 2013.

During budget discussions, the district used a flat state aid number in its preliminary budget figure proposal. 

"When state aid is stable it makes it easier to evaluate current programs and consider the value they bring to students as we decide which ones are important to keep," O'Neill said. 

However, the news earlier this week that New Jersey could possibly lose $12 million in funding for primary and secondary education left the district unsure. The interim superintendent said Monday it was unknown how the cuts would affect West Orange.

O'Neill added, "If there is a cut in state aid we have to approach it in the opposite way; that is we have to decide how much we have to cut and then find those dollars in existing programs whether they are working or not."

According to the governor's office, all districts will receive an increase in K-12 aid or maintain flat funding from the previous school year.

"Throughout my time in office I have continuously argued that in order to grow New Jersey's economy we must invest in education, and my proposed budget is a reflection of my commitment to our educational system and communities across the state," Christie said. 

The district budget is required to be sent to the county for review next week.

West Orange Township's Education State Aid

• K-12 Total Aid for 2012-2013: $6,809,707
• Equalization Aid: $1,793,898
• Education Adequacy Aid: 0
• Choice Aid: 0
• Transportation Aid: $438,150
• Special Education Aid: $4,191,194
• Security Aid: $386,465
• Adjustment Aid: 0
• Under Adequacy Aid: 0
• Supplemental Enrollment Growth Aid: 0
• Additional Adjustment Aid: 0
• K-12 Total Aid for 2013-2014: $6,809,707

The full projected state aid for K-12 for 2013-2014 in New Jersey can be viewed here.