The New Jersey Public Charter School Association (NJPCSA) celebrates April as School Library Month and recognizes the tremendous contribution school libraries make in fostering literacy skills and a love of lifelong learning. For School Library Month, NJPCSA calls on Governor Murphy and the Legislature to provide critical school facilities funding to public charter schools so that all public schools can provide their students with dedicated libraries.
In Governor Murphy's proposed fiscal year 2025 budget, emergency project and capital maintenance support for public charter schools was reduced by $15 million, and the recently created Public Charter and Renaissance Schools Facility Loan Programs were not funded.
“As a cornerstone institution in schools, libraries play a critical role in promoting literacy, fostering critical thinking, and providing modern technological tools and resources. However, despite their proven impact, public charter schools across New Jersey operate without dedicated facilities funding to provide library space, denying students these resources.” said Harry Lee, NJPCSA President and CEO.
Nearly 89% of public charter schools say their schools do not have a library or their school library is not sufficient, highlighting resource gaps that prevent students from accessing essential educational tools. Additionally, public charter schools must fund their facilities through operating budgets, spending an average of $2,000 per student, and funds used for teacher salaries, school supplies and technology.
In contrast, since 2001, New Jersey has invested more than $18 billion in school construction across School Development Authority (SDA) districts, regular operating districts (RODs), and trade schools to enhance infrastructure and resources, including libraries.
“Lack of adequate facilities funding for essential resources like libraries, gyms, and technology labs is an inequity that public charter schools continue to face.” said TJ Best, NJPCSA Senior Counsel. “Closing this gap is important to ensure that all students, regardless of the type of public school they attend, have access to important resources and equal opportunities to develop academically and personally.”
The lack of library and facility funding is especially felt in under-resourced communities and among students of color, who make up 91% of students attending public charter and renaissance schools in New Jersey's most disadvantaged districts. Lack of financial resources within schools exacerbates educational inequities, as 76% of these students qualify for free or reduced price meals.
“In Newark, our students face numerous challenges outside of school. “Within you, you must find a sanctuary of learning equipped with the tools you need to grow, and the library is an essential resource for your school.” said María Pilar Paradiso, principal of Link Community Charter School in Newark. “With the addition of an elementary school, the need for dedicated library space has become more important. This is especially true when considering the role of early literacy in laying the foundation for lifelong learning. Providing space specifically for our youngest pupils sends a message about the importance of literacy and fosters a love of reading from the moment a child first enters school.”
Mr. Lee concluded, “We greatly appreciate the efforts of Governor Murphy and the Legislature to address facility issues at public charter schools, including the creation of a facility loan program. But now is not the time to take your foot off the gas. We must fund lending programs and restore funding for emergency assistance. “We look forward to working with elected officials throughout the spring to ensure the final state budget ensures that all students have access to safe, healthy, and modern school buildings.”
For more information about public charter schools in New Jersey, visit www.njcharters.org.