Fix New Jersey’s Broken School Funding Formula

Stand Up for Fair School Funding in Every New Jersey Community

Tell Your Legislators: Support Fair School Funding

Dear Official(s),

I’m writing as a concerned constituent to ask you to take a serious look at New Jersey’s school funding formula and its impact on communities like mine.
Across our state, districts are being forced into painful decisions that go far beyond numbers on a spreadsheet. Teachers—people who have dedicated their lives to our children—are being laid off. School buildings that have been part of a community for generations are being closed. Programs that give students opportunities to grow, explore, and succeed are being cut.
These aren’t abstract policy changes—they are real losses felt by students, families, and entire communities.
At the same time, many residents are being asked to shoulder even higher property taxes to try to make up the difference, despite already living in a state with some of the highest property taxes in the country. For many families, that burden is becoming unsustainable.
Meanwhile, there are clear imbalances in how funding is being distributed, with some districts receiving increases even as enrollment declines, while others are left scrambling to hold things together.
A school funding system should be fair, transparent, and grounded in reality. It should reflect where students are, what communities can reasonably afford, and ensure that no child’s opportunities are determined by their zip code.
Right now, that’s not what’s happening—and our students are paying the price.
I respectfully ask that you take action to:
- Ensure funding more accurately follows students
- Support a balanced approach that does not disproportionately harm certain communities
- Bring greater transparency and accountability to how education funding decisions are made
This issue isn’t about politics—it’s about students, families, and the future of our communities.
Thank you for your time and for your commitment to serving New Jersey.
I’m writing as a concerned constituent to ask you to take a serious look at New Jersey’s school funding formula and its impact on communities like mine.

Sincerely

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New Jersey’s school funding system isn’t working the way it should. Join Jersey 1st and thousands of New Jerseyans in fixing this problem

Across the state, many rural and suburban school districts are facing steep reductions in state aid, forcing tough decisions that impact classrooms, teachers, and local taxpayers. Meanwhile, other districts continue to receive increased funding, even when student enrollment has declined.

That’s not a balanced approach.

The current formula doesn’t fully account for the real challenges some communities face. In areas where land is protected from development, local leaders have limited ability to grow their tax base, making it even harder to make up for lost state funding.

Every student deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of where they live. A fair funding system should reflect actual enrollment, local realities, and treat all communities equitably.

It’s time for a more transparent, balanced, and accountable approach to school funding in New Jersey.