Arts Ed New Jersey is sounding the alarm on proposed school funding cuts in the FY25 NJ State Budget that could impact arts education programs throughout the state. School districts may face budget reductions affecting these programs.  

Take action NOW by contacting your legislators through this action alert button below and urging them to vote YES on S3081 when it comes up for a vote on May 9th. This bill is a critical short-term solution to mitigate the effects of these budget cuts.

Every second counts - the future of arts education in New Jersey hangs in the balance.  Reach out to your representatives today and emphasize the importance of preserving arts education in our schools. The vote is approaching - make your voice heard before May 9th.

Support for Senate bill S3081 for

School Funding Reform

This February Governor Murphy proposed that the School Funding Reform Act (S2) school funding formula will fully fund New Jersey public schools for the first time in the state’s FY25 Budget. As a result, many districts received meaningful increases. However, between 130-140 districts received cuts . Some are daunting budget cuts exacerbated by increased district expenses growing faster than the allowed 2% property tax increase and the loss of past Covid-related Federal Elementary and Secondary School Relief funding.  

Assembly Bill A4161, largely endorsed by all education groups, passed on April 15, 2024 to help remedy cuts for the short term for impacted districts. The Senate companion bill, S3081, is scheduled for vote on May 12.   

Whenever school budgets are cut, hard decisions must be made and often arts education is in jeopardy. Arts Ed NJ has been working to communicate how cuts are impacting the arts via our champions and networks. Arts Ed NJ also established a mechanism for schools and districts to share what is going on in their community, promoted a new Arts Ed Now action website, and have set up champion meetings every other week.