Cherry Hill schools are grappling with anticipated funding cuts for the upcoming school year, leaving district leaders to make tough financial decisions. The Cherry Hill School District is projected to receive $29.5 million in equalization aid from the state for the 2024-25 school year—a significant 19 percent reduction from the current allocation of $36.4 million and the lowest total since 2021-22.
Expressing shock at the decrease in funding, School Board President Miriam Stern and Acting Superintendent Dr. Kwame Morton conveyed their concerns to the school community. In a letter, they stated that the district had initiated discussions with state and local officials to understand the reasons behind the cuts and plan their next steps.
The budget implications of the state-aid reduction will be discussed in detail at the upcoming Board of Education meetings on March 12 and March 19. While the successful bond referendum in October 2022 allows planned improvements to facilities, the district now faces the challenge of examining costs beyond those covered by the bond funds.
The proposed cut in state aid affects Cherry Hill and over 60 other school districts with double-digit percentage reductions, as per recent district-by-district funding data. The impact on property taxes is a concern for many districts, as they may face the need to raise taxes for local homeowners due to the cuts or stagnant spending.
The state budget proposal, introduced by Governor Phil Murphy, includes $11.7 billion in aid for K-12 public schools. While the proposed figures offer a roadmap for school districts in developing their 2024-25 budgets, it is crucial to note that Murphy’s budget is a proposal, and adjustments may be made by the State Legislature before approval. The cuts come as part of the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, impacting districts like Cherry Hill and raising concerns about fair funding for schools. Mayor Dave Fleisher has termed the cut in state aid for the district as “unacceptable,” emphasizing the need for improved funding for Cherry Hill schools.
