By: Richard L. Smith
West Orange officials are urging New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and state lawmakers to make permanent changes to the state's school funding formula following years of significant reductions in education aid.
According to information released by the Township of West Orange, Mayor Susan McCartney presented Resolution 269-26 to the Township Council, calling for reforms to the School Funding Reform Act (SFRA) that would provide greater financial stability for the district's public schools.
The law was originally established in 2008 under former Governor Jon Corzine and later amended in 2018 during Governor Phil Murphy's administration.
Township officials said West Orange Public Schools have experienced substantial funding losses despite relatively stable student enrollment and rising expenses for special education and other student services.
Since the 2022-23 school year, the district's Local Fair Share calculation has increased by 36%, while Equalization Aid has dropped by 37%.
According to township officials, those changes have resulted in the loss of tens of millions of dollars in state assistance, placing additional financial pressure on local property taxpayers.
Mayor McCartney and township leaders are supporting reforms that would limit annual reductions in state education aid, calculate community wealth using multi-year averages, and base special education funding on actual district enrollment rather than estimates.
Officials believe the proposed changes would help prevent unpredictable funding reductions while protecting essential educational programs and services.
The West Orange Township Council unanimously approved Resolution 269-26 during its October 13, 2026, meeting.
The resolution formally calls on Governor Sherrill and the New Jersey Legislature to establish a more consistent and equitable approach to funding public education.