NJ schools: 28 districts are getting money to expand pre-K. Is yours among them? – NorthJersey.com

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The new school year will see a continued push to make schools safer, more affordable and more equitable. Hannan Adely, Staff Writer, @AdelyReporter

Twenty-eight school districts will get additional state aid to launch or expand prekindergarten programs as part of a continuing push to promote early education, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday.

The state released $20 million in aid that had been earmarked in Murphy’s annual budget, which will fund pre-K seats for 1,450 children. School districts must implement pre-K expansion by this Oct. 1. 

The 28 districts selected to receive aid have at least 20 percent of their student population receiving free or reduced lunch, a measure reflecting low income, or had been receiving partial state funding to address pockets of poverty. Top recipients include Gloucester Township and Dover. 

In Dover, the funding will be used to increase the existing pre-K program from a half-day to a full-day program and to take in another 30 students, said district Superintendent James McLaughlin.

The aid is part of a $68 million pot of funds set aside in the state budget under the Preschool Education Expansion Aid program. 

“New Jersey has long been considered a leader in early childhood education, and I am proud that we are now bringing about the greatest growth in preschool that this state has seen so far this century,” Murphy said in a statement. “Educating our children at this critical age will give them a strong start in academics and a desire to learn.” The full list of recipients by county follows:

Atlantic: Buena Regional, $1,032,077; Somers Point, $456,163; Weymouth, $213,006

Burlington: Beverly City, $498,242; Burlington Township, $213,006; Edgewater Park, $478,287

Camden: Gloucester Township, $1,451,363; Mount Ephraim, $451,535

Cape May: Dennis Township, $622,750; Middle Township, $687,686

Essex: Belleville, $892,452

Gloucester: Glassboro, $717,664; National Park, $214,398

Hudson: Kearny, $2,661,345

Hunterdon: High Bridge, $273,120

Mercer: Princeton, $721,439

Middlesex: Sayreville, $2,799,800

Monmouth: Farmingdale, $157,764; Ocean Township, $586,772

Morris: Dover, $1,177,174; Netcong, $188,230

Ocean: Ocean Township, $971,584; Tuckerton, $679,140

Passaic: Woodland Park, $261,360

Salem: Mannington, $226,711

Sussex: Montague, $730,296; Stillwater Township, $286,902

Union: Winfield, $349,674

For subscribers: Teachers in these NJ districts don’t have contracts yet. What does it mean for your child?

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