Assemblywomen Katz Demands Murphy Administration to Assure School Districts that No Drastic Cuts will be Made in FY2026
Lenape Regional High School District’s initial state aid was reduced by almost $4.7 million before stabilization aid was delivered last year

(TRENTON) – New Jersey’s Department of Education issued a recent memo promising to cap state aid reductions at 3% during this year’s budget. It made no mention of whether this factors in the potential addition of millions of dollars in stabilization aid. It is a difference that could mean whether or not countless teachers, staff, and programs are cut in districts like Lenape Regional High School.

“I have been in constant contact with the Department of Education for months urging them to ensure districts like Lenape receive the funding they need to offer a world-class education. They can’t afford to lose more funding because it will inevitably result in staff reduction, loss of programs, and larger class sizes, which all result in the taxpayers picking up the difference.” said Assemblywoman Andrea Katz (D-Chesterfield). “The recent memo from the DOE is ambiguous and confusing. We need clarity now that ensures that districts like Lenape will not see their aid from last year ripped away from them. The lack of information from the Department of Education is absolutely unacceptable. We need answers.”

If Lenape Regional High School loses their stabilization aid and another 3% reduction, it would equate to a loss of $2.7 million this year. Evesham, Lumberton, Rancocas Valley, Shamong, Tabernacle, Woodland, Chesterfield, Westampton, and Washington Township were other Legislative District 8 school districts that received millions in stabilization aid in FY2025.

“I was proud to work to bring stabilization aid to districts like Lenape during last year’s budget process. This was never meant to be a one year stop gap. Taxpayers in these districts cannot absorb a huge loss again and the DOE must provide assurance. Anything less is unacceptable and I’ll be fighting for each penny they deserve. Our kids, their families, and the taxpayers deserve that peace of mind.”