December 19, 2005 – Newark, NJ

In a unanimous ruling, the New Jersey Supreme Court has ordered the Department of Education to estimate the cost of over 200 stalled school facilities projects in the state’s urban districts by February 15, 2006. The estimates must be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature, and shall serve as a basis for appropriating additional funds for New Jersey’s school construction program.

In entering this order, the Court acknowledged that, although some improvements have been made, "significant deficiencies in this area persist and are likely to worsen at a severe cost to the State’s most disadvantaged school children if there is further delay in addressing the dilapidated, overcrowded and dangerous schools" in the urban districts.

The Court also set a firm deadline for districts to file their 2005-2010 Long Range Facilities with the NJDOE to ensure up-to-date assessments of facilities’ deficiencies and need. The order specifies that these plans be submitted no later than January 15, 2006.

Finally, the Court ordered the DOE to submit an annual report each year no later than August 1st to inform the Governor and Legislature of the progress of school facilities construction and the need for further appropriations in future years.

David Sciarra, ELC Executive Director and Abbott Counsel stated "the Court has given the State a short time frame for costing-out these urgently needed school facilities projects. We, along with the Court, expect the Governor and Legislature to promptly authorize additional funding to move these projects forward as quickly as possible."

Related Materials: Supreme Court Order

Education Law Center Press Contact: Joan Ponessa Research Director email: jponessa@edlawcenter.org voice: 973 624-1815 x23