NEW JERSEY — Two state senators have introduced legislation aimed at increasing school funding for districts in environmentally protected regions that face limits on development and local revenue.
The proposal, titled the “Fairness for School Districts in Development Restricted Areas Act,” would provide additional state aid to school districts located in the Highlands and Pinelands preservation areas, where development restrictions can limit property tax growth and funding options.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco, R-Morris/Passaic, said communities in the Highlands have long faced financial challenges tied to state environmental policies.
“Communities in the Highlands have been asked to shoulder a unique environmental burden for the State while Trenton has failed to hold up its end of the bargain,” said Sen. Bucco. “When a municipality is located in a development-restricted zone, it hampers its ability to generate ratables and leaves families, teachers, and students with fewer resources and fewer options under our broken school funding formula. This legislation is about recognizing those realities and making sure our students are supported and families aren’t left carrying an unfair financial burden.”
Sen. Latham Tiver, R-Atlantic/Burlington, said the bill seeks to ensure fairness for students in the Pinelands.
“These are tight-knit communities who care deeply about both their schools and the environment. However, the way school funding is structured leaves these districts doing far more with far less year after year,” said Sen. Tiver. “We have an obligation to ensure our schools are funded fairly and equally, because every child deserves access to a world-class education, no matter where they live.”
Under the bill, districts would qualify for additional aid if they have experienced a net loss in funding under the current formula, enroll more than 500 students and are located in municipalities where at least 25% of the land falls within the Highlands or Pinelands preservation areas.
