The Trump administration is rescinding a Biden-era influx of federal funding for NJ School districts. The administration has revoked $85 million in funding for 20 districts, cutting resources intended for infrastructure projects aimed at student safety, state officials said Monday.
Governor Phil Murphy called the decision “reckless and irresponsible,” noting that the funds had been granted extensions but are now being removed by the U.S. Department of Education. The affected districts include Newark, Paterson, Brick, and Keansburg.
The funding, originating from the American Rescue Plan Act, was allocated to address pandemic-related challenges. Education Secretary Linda McMahon informed districts Friday that the deadline for reimbursement requests had been moved up to March 28, the same day the notice was sent.
Murphy said the cuts leave districts with little time to adjust.
“These are critical infrastructure projects,” Murphy said. “Washington is failing the next generation.”
The DOE said districts can apply for individual project extensions, provided they justify the need as directly tied to pandemic effects on education.
The funding loss impacts high-poverty districts such as Newark and Paterson, as well as schools in Bergenfield, Elizabeth, and Gloucester City. Some had already spent funds on approved projects but had pending reimbursements.
New Jersey received approximately $2.7 billion in American Rescue Plan funds for K-12 education. Nationally, states and school districts could forfeit up to $3 billion in remaining relief funds.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.