An Essex County school district that cut 93 jobs amid funding challenges this year is set to receive its largest state aid increase in nearly 20 years.
The state Department of Education released its 2025-26 state aid figures Thursday, showing that more than 68% of districts will see an increase in funding.
East Orange School District is projected to receive $184.6 million in state aid — a 5.3% increase from last year — and the largest increase the district has received in more than 17 years, according to Superintendent Christopher Irving.
MORE: Most N.J. schools will get a funding boost in new budget plan. See your district’s numbers.
Irving said the funding will be used for school investments and to settle bargaining contracts for employees.
“This funding increase will allow us to make critical investments in our schools,” the superintendent said in a statement Thursday. “We are working diligently to settle several collective bargaining contracts and address much-needed capital improvements across the district.”
Gov. Phil Murphy proposed spending $12.1 billion on funding for K-12 school districts in the 2026 fiscal year state budget. The budget
This year, Murphy’s administration made proposed state aid increases and cuts more predictable for school districts by capping increases at 6% and limiting cuts to 3% or less in major funding categories.
It is unclear how the budget plan may change before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. The budget must be approved by the state Legislature and signed by Murphy before it becomes law.
There are more than 9,000 students across 20 schools in the East Orange School District.
In October, the district announced a half-day schedule for schools on short notice. The decision came the morning after a contentious board of education meeting where officials revealed that 93 teaching and coaching positions had been cut.
The cuts affected substitute teachers, social workers, literacy coaches and math coaches.
At the time, a $25 million budget shortfall, along with rising school operating costs, was expected to impact the district’s ability to make payroll in May and June, officials said.
District officials did not specify whether the proposed state funding increase would directly address payroll issues or staffing. However, East Orange officials said the cmoney could be used to better support their priorities.
“Today’s announcement is a testament to their unwavering resolve and a significant step forward in our mission to provide every student with the quality education they deserve,” East Orange Mayor Ted Green said in a statement last week. “Together, we will build a brighter future for our children and our community.”
Stories by Nyah Marshall
Staff writer Brianna Kudisch contributed to this report.
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