This is a statement from Gov. Phil Murphy upon news that the Trump Administration’s Education Department was demanding New Jersey return $85 million in unspent federal grants meant to ameliorate learning loss suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We were recently notified that New Jersey is facing yet another devastating federal funding cut from the Trump Administration – impacting critical infrastructure projects across 20 school districts to improve student health and safety.

“These cuts are reckless and irresponsible, allowing us very little time for contingency plans. New Jersey is proud of its best-in-the-nation public school system and we will do everything we can to restore this funding and maintain our reputation for excellence in public education.

“At a time of unprecedented chaos and uncertainty at the federal level, Washington is failing the next generation.”

The 20 school districts facing federal funding cuts include:

Bergenfield School District
Fairview Public Schools
Westwood Regional School District
Delran Township School District
Gloucester City School District
Bridgeton School District
East Orange Public Schools
Newark Public Schools
North Bergen School District
Guttenberg School District
Hamilton Township School District
Keansburg Public Schools
Brick Township School District
Clifton Township Public Schools
Passaic City Public Schools
Paterson City Public Schools
Penns Grove-Carneys Point Regional School District
Elizabeth Public Schools
Linden Public Schools
Robert Treat Academy Charter School

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