The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled unanimously today that Corzine’s School Funding Reform Act is constitutional and can replace the Abbott system of awarding large amounts of state aid to 31 poor urban districts.
It’s a victory for Corzine, who now can claim a triumph in the skirmish over how New Jersey addresses the educational needs of poor children in a state that funds schools through property taxes. No doubt the Education Law Center, the primary advocates for maintaining the Abbott formula, will have lots to say. And it’s not clear how the D.O.E. will manage to channel money to poor children, regardless of zip code, in a timely and efficient manner. More later.
