Most NJ School Districts Could See Slight Uptick in Aid

New Jersey's Education chief says 90 percent of school districts would see modest increases in state aid under Gov. Chris Christie's proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

However, Commissioner Chris Cerf says aid to the 31 poorest districts would shrink by one-half of 1 percent.

Cerf says roughly a third of the 97 districts slated to lose aid have had decreases in enrollment.

Cerf is also proposing basing future aid on school attendance throughout the year rather than counting students on a single day, Oct. 15. He says the change will encourage schools to improve attendance rates.

Christie's proposed budget includes a $213 million increase in K-12 aid.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)