N.J. applies for $268M in federal education money
Published: Thursday, September 09, 2010, 10:33 AM Updated: Thursday, September 09, 2010, 10:33 AM
TRENTON — New Jersey has applied for $268 million in federal education funding and will use its own funding formula — instead of a federal method — to distribute the money for school districts.
Initially billed as money that would save teachers' jobs, districts can use stimulus funds approved last month by Congress for salaries, benefits and related costs for a wide range of employees, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
The application was something of a formality. The money would have come to New Jersey whether Gov. Chris Christie asked for it by today's deadline or not, but applying gave Christie some additional control over distribution and started the process of getting the funds to New Jersey. A Christie administration spokesman could not be reached for comment this