SOUTH BRUNSWICK: District getting more state aid

By Charles W. Kim, Managing Editor
   South Brunswick schools are slated to get $1.8 million more this year in state aid, according to officials.
   The increase in funding is part of Gov. Chris Christie’s budget to increase education spending by $250 million.
   ”I am pleased that the governor’s budget contains a substantial, $7.8 million increase in aid for District 16 schools,” said Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman, R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer and Middlesex. “This will help ease the burden on taxpayers in Somerset, Mercer, Middlesex and Hunterdon counties and ensure that our schools continue to achieve great outcomes for our children.”
   The increases total more than $78 million to schools in the 16th district alone, according to a press release from Sen. Bateman’s office.
   Schools Superintendent Dr. Gary McCartney said last week that he was pleased with the increase and wants to be sure the numbers are correct.
   ”There are some differences with our baseline figure,” Dr. McCartney said following last week’s Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing regarding the Princeton International Academy Charter School.
   If the numbers come out the way they appear, Dr. McCartney joked he would “do a back flip.”
   In addition, the district also will be getting a small bit of money from President Barack Obama’s Race to the Top education initiative.
   According to the state Department of Education, the district should receive about $18,000 in additional federal funds for that program.
   The district is one of 19 in Middlesex County sharing in some $965,000.
   According to the state, New Jersey won a total of $38 million in the competition for funds and plans to use half, or $19 million, on statewide education reform.
   The other $19 million is being shared with schools throughout the state.
   In Middlesex County, the grants ranged from a low of $2,270 for Milltown Borough to a high of $271,374 for Perth Amboy City, according to the state.
   In South Brunswick, $1.8 million translates to about 5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation on the tax rate.