NJ property taxes: Not everyone is footing the bill for public schools

As the state with the highest property taxes in the nation, New Jersey residents are no strangers to paying for public schools. However, not everyone is carrying their fair share of the burden. According to a report by NJ Spotlight News, nearly one-third of the state’s public schools are attended by students who live in communities with a lower-than-average tax rate, thanks to a loophole that allows certain districts to receive additional state aid. That means some affluent towns are getting a free ride, while others struggle to make ends meet.

The report reveals that the discrepancy is due to the way the state calculates aid to schools. Wealthy districts that have “excess” funds are penalized by having their aid reduced, while other districts receive more aid to make up the difference. However, some of these “sending” districts are actually quite affluent, yet still benefit from the aid. For example, in Somerset County, whose residents pay some of the highest property taxes in the state, nearly half of the students attending local public schools live in districts that receive state aid.

The issue of school funding in New Jersey has long been a contentious one, with some arguing that the current system is unfair and inequitable. And with property taxes on the rise, many homeowners are feeling the pinch. Governor Phil Murphy has proposed a number of reforms to address the issue, including an increase in aid to poorer districts and a cap on the amount of aid that wealthier districts can receive. However, implementing those reforms will likely require legislative action, something that has proven difficult in the past.

The report highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the state’s school funding system. As New Jersey residents continue to struggle under the weight of high property taxes, it is essential that everyone is contributing their fair share to support the education of our children.