Haddonfield School Board advocates for fair funding amid South Jersey financial struggles

The Haddonfield Board of Education (BOE) held a regular meeting on March 13, 2025, focusing on critical issues surrounding school funding and the need for advocacy in South Jersey. Board members expressed concerns about the reliance on local taxpayers to support educational costs, highlighting the inadequacies of state funding formulas that disproportionately affect South Jersey schools.

During the meeting, board members discussed the challenges posed by the current funding model, which factors in the aggregate income of the community. This system can disadvantage districts like Haddonfield when wealthier individuals move into the area without contributing proportionately to local property taxes. The board emphasized the need for a fairer distribution of state funding to alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers.

A significant point of discussion was the potential for new funding through Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements, particularly with the recent approval of affordable housing units expected to bring in additional students and an estimated $600,000 annually in PILOT revenue. Board members expressed hope that a portion of these funds could help offset the need for tax increases as the district prepares for an influx of new students.

The board also highlighted the importance of advocacy, urging members to engage with local and state legislators to push for changes in funding formulas. They noted that South Jersey schools have been hit harder by funding losses compared to their northern counterparts and stressed the necessity of a unified voice to ensure that the region's educational needs are addressed.

In conclusion, the Haddonfield BOE is committed to actively pursuing fair funding solutions and engaging with the community and legislators to advocate for necessary changes. The board plans to continue discussions on these topics in future meetings, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and advocacy in securing a better financial future for local schools.