NJ Supreme Court orders state to increase education funding

It seems New Jersey has been underfunding some schools so badly that they’re violating students’ rights. In a 3-2 decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court ordered Governor Chris Christie to fund an additional $500 million for some of the state’s poorest schools. The total is less than the $1.6 billion student advocates demanded.

The underfunded schools were in the Abbott districts, 31 of the state’s poorest school systems. Governor Christie fought the increase in funding, but said he will honor the decision. Christie has reportedly cut more than $1.3 billion from schoool aid during his short time in office. Advocates for Children of New Jersey, our member organization there, has other great ideas for how Christie can restore investments in children, too.