South Brunswick NJ schools experiencing ‘substantial reductions’, 60 positions eliminated

The South Brunswick school district is facing a financial crisis as the 2024-25 school budget has a $6.2 million shortfall due to a $1.4 million cut in state aid. This has led to significant losses in programming and staffing, with more than 65 positions being cut, including K-12 classroom and special education teachers, administrators, custodial staff, and security personnel.

Superintendent of Schools Scott Feder remains hopeful despite the challenges, as the state Assembly has already voted in favor of restoring budget cuts and extending the final budget due date. A bill co-sponsored by District 16 Assembly members Roy Freiman and Mitchelle Drulis would appropriate $71.4 million to help school districts close budget gaps caused by reductions in state aid.

The state Senate is expected to hear a similar bill sponsored by Sen. Andrew Zwicker and Sen. Patrick Diegnan, with a vote scheduled for Monday. If passed, Gov. Phil Murphy will have the opportunity to sign or veto the bill, creating a one-time Stabilized School Budget Aid Grant Program in the state Department of Education.

Feder is advocating for changes to the state funding formula and is hopeful that the bills being considered will provide the district with the necessary funding to address the budget shortfall. In the meantime, the district is preparing for potential budget cuts by planning two questions on the November ballot related to funding for security in schools and mental health services.

The community is feeling the impact of the budget crisis, with morale being significantly affected. Feder emphasized the importance of receiving direction from the state government to make informed decisions about the future of the district.