Federal funding is being billed as money to help save up to 3,900 teachers' jobs
Gov. Chris Christie with Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno in this July 2010 file photo.TRENTON — New Jersey’s application for $268 million for educators’ salaries and benefits has been approved, the U.S. Department of Education said today.
The anticipated approval is an important step toward districts receiving money that will be distributed using a state formula.
"I am pleased that Secretary Duncan has approved New Jersey’s application for funding under the Education Jobs Fund Program," Gov. Chris Christie said in a statement.
"As I have said before," the governor continued, "difficult economic times necessitated difficult choices in our budget. The additional resources will be helpful, but this funding must be viewed for what it is — a one-time infusion of cash that will not be available to us the following year."
The money can be used for a range of positions and benefits, including transportation or student loan reimbursements for teachers, librarians, coaches, custodians and other workers outside the superintendent’s office. But the funding, part of a $26 billion stimulus package Congress passed last month to help states, is being billed as money that will help save up to 3,900 teachers’ jobs.
"This federal funding comes at a critical time for New Jersey schools and will help ensure that our students are provided with the educational opportunities they need and deserve as they begin a new school year," said Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) in a statement.
Christie submitted a three-page application on Wednesday. He chose a state distribution formula over a federal one but has not revealed details on how the funds will be alloted.
The governor drew criticism for waiting to apply until the day before the deadline, most sharply from the New Jersey Education Association, the state’s dominant teachers union, with whom he has been feuding.
"There was never any question that New Jersey was going to get this money," NJEA spokesman Steve Baker said. "We could have had the money in mid-August and could have already put people back to work if the governor hadn’t dragged his feet."
Christie’s office had said it was waiting for guidance on how the funds could be distributed. Initially, the governor’s office said it was looking into whether it would be able to partially reverse some cuts made in this year’s budget.
Previous coverage:
• N.J. applies for $268M in federal education money
• Five points on the $268M federal education funds
• U.S. education funds could send N.J. teachers back to school
• Gov. Christie to apply for $268M in federal education aid bill signed by Pres. Obama