PLAINFIELD, NJ – February 29, 2024 – Today, Governor Murphy visited Charles and Anna Booker Elementary School in Plainfield to announce a historic proposed budget that includes the most significant investment in public education in the state's history. This budget is the first to fully fund the state's school funding formula, which increases public school funding from $908 million to $11.7 billion dollars.
"Our administration will invest just under $11.7 billion in the state’s public schools," said Governor Murphy. "This is not only the single largest investment into New Jersey's Public Education System in our history. It is also the single largest investment in our entire budget." He continues, "In providing this funding to our public education system, we will become the first administration ever to fully fund New Jersey schools, and for schools right here in the Plainfield Public School District, we are going to increase funding by more than 12 percent over last year, which is over $30 million."
"As Superintendent of Schools, I am thrilled by the historic investment in public education announced today. This substantial funding increase will enable us to provide our students with the resources and support they need to thrive academically and personally. With this investment, we can ensure that every student in Plainfield receives a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the 21st century. I am grateful for the commitment of Governor Murphy and our state leaders to fully funding our schools, and I am excited about the opportunities this budget will create for our students, teachers, and community,” stated Rashon K. Hasan, Ed. S.
The Mayor of the City of Plainfield, Adrian Mapp, expressed his great pride and sense of responsibility during his remarks at the Charles and Anna Booker Elementary School. He spoke about the governor's proposed budget, which includes an unprecedented investment of $11.7 billion in education. Mayor Mapp views this as a significant achievement in our journey towards fully funding schools. "This commitment not only honors the legacy of the Bookers but also lays the foundation for a future where every student in Plainfield and beyond can dream without limits, aspire with confidence, and achieve with the knowledge that their state stands firmly behind them. As we celebrate this historic announcement, let us also reaffirm our commitment to the ideas of equity, inclusivity, and opportunity that Charles and Anna Booker championed many years ago."
Governor Murphy is proposing an extra $124 million to support pre-K education, out of which $20 million is allocated for expanding pre-K in new districts, creating more than 1,000 seats.
"More students will get more opportunities, and more educators will receive additional support. Furthermore, taxpayers will receive relief. By investing in the future of New Jersey and children and ensuring that we maintain the best schools, we are making a valuable investment," stated Craig Coughlin, Speaker of the New Jersey House.
Sean Spiller, NJEA President, said, "This wasn’t done with gimmicks or tricks. It was a long-term investment, a commitment to our schools and students that got this done, and part of making New Jersey stronger and fairer for each of us."
Donna M. Chiera, American Federation of Teacher New Jersey (AFT) President, said, "Thirty-three years in the classroom and 12 years as president of AFT New Jersey, I never thought I'd see the day when I could say that education in New Jersey would be fully funded."
The new budget will take effect for the 2024-2025 academic school year.
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For more information on the Plainfield Public School District or this story, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at information@plainfield.k12.nj.us or by phone at, (908) 731-4442.