On February 28, 2023, Governor Phil Murphy presented his annual Budget Address to the entire state. During the address, he announced the funding of $830M in state aid to local school districts. This is a $2.6B increase in education funding over six years. Included in that number was an additional $114M in Equalization Aid for the Newark Public Schools.
Prior to the Budget address and announcement of State Aid, the District completed a review of all school and central office budgets. The review included an analysis of all staffing, programs and initiatives. It coordinated the allocation of all funds (local, state and Federal) for all expenditures. The reviews began in December 2022 and concluded in February 2023.
The budget process is interactive and allows community input via committees. The schools are required to share the details of the school budget with their entire school community at a public meeting once their budget review is approved by the Superintendent. The Budget was advertised in the Star Ledger on March 24, 2023 and the Public Hearing was held at Science Park High School on March 29th. The Newark Board of Education voted to approve the budget at the hearing and the voters will be afforded an opportunity to do the same on April 25th during the School Board elections.