Included in the new state budget for Fiscal Year 2023 which is set to be unveiled and voted upon later tonight, private schools in the state would receive another $30 per pupil in security grants, for a total of $205 per student, TLS has learned.

According to the budget’s text, which was obtained by TLS, “the Commissioner of Education shall provide State aid to each school district in an amount equal to $205 multiplied by the number of nonpublic school students within the district identified by the district on or before November 5 for security services, equipment, or technology to ensure
a safe and secure school environment for nonpublic school students.”

Since Murphy has taken office, private schools have seen this grant increase several times from the $75 per student to the $205 where it is now, the result of intense lobbying by Agudath Israel of New Jersey and other religious organizations, including Catholic and Muslim groups.

With over 45,000 private school students in Lakewood, $205 adds up quickly, totaling well over $9 million annually.

In addition to the security grant increase, TLS has also learned that transportation funding will be increased by $22 per student, from the current $1,000 to $1,022.

The $50.6 billion budget is an agreement between Governor Phil Murphy and Legislative leaders and must be signed before the July 1st deadline, or else the government will be forced to shutdown, which is not expected to happen.

The full Legislature is expected to vote on the budget on Wednesday, giving Murphy plenty of time to sign it before the deadline at midnight on Thursday.