$5M+ designated in 2nd round of Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act

Gov. Phil Murphy and acting Commissioner of Education Angelica Allen-McMillan submitted requests for $5.15 million in funding for the second round of the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act — a bill that is intended to increase security at schools.

The recommendations went to the Legislature, which approved a far greater amount — $317 million — in the first round in June.

If approved, the funding will provide districts across the state with school security upgrades, including the installation of silent panic alarms to alert law enforcement during an emergency and other upgrades, including exterior lighting improvements, surveillance cameras, intercoms, remote locking/unlocking doors, shatter-resistant glass, signage improvements, generator installation and impact-rated vehicle barriers.

“Making these investments in our schools will ensure safe learning environments for our students,” Murphy said. “The second round of Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act projects will reach students and schools across our state. I look forward to working with partners in the Legislature to expeditiously get these funds to our schools.”

The second round of funding will be supported by $500 million in bonds approved by New Jersey voters in November 2018. Details of a third round of funding are expected to be announced in 2022.

Sixty districts will receive funding. Here are the 18 that will get at least $100,000:

  • Bergen — Elmwood Park: $144,169
  • Bergen — Teaneck: 195,484
  • Burlington — Maple Shade: $120,524
  • Camden — Collingswood: $119,721
  • Essex — Irvington: $352,329
  • Essex — Livingston: $184,230
  • Essex — Montclair: $377,768
  • Essex — Nutley: $228,171
  • Essex — Vo Tech: $154,755
  • Mercer — Ewing: $191,033
  • Middlesex — Metuchen: $128,387
  • Monmouth — Neptune Township: $205,044
  • Monmouth — Ocean Township: $189,594
  • Morris — Randolph: $261,862
  • Somerset — Franklin: $328,358
  • Somerset — Montgomery: $267,839
  • Union —Cranford: $218,811
  • Warren — Phillipsburg: $210,810