South Jersey’s largest school districts are facing unprecedented financial distress due to shortfalls in federal and state funding caused by reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent report released by WRI Faculty Fellow Michael Hayes, an assistant professor of public policy and administration at Rutgers University–Camden, provides insight into the scope of how this imminent crisis will impact communities and families across the region. The study, titled “Are South Jersey School Districts Prepared for the Next Recession?” outlines the risk that the largest 25 school districts in South Jersey face in being unable to sustain pre-pandemic levels of K-12 education, as well as the potential impact on local property taxes. This information can be helpful to policy makers in deciding where to make cuts and to help districts plan for the future.
WRI has convened a forum to share this important information with community members throughout South Jersey. This virtual presentation and panel discussion will take place on Wednesday, May 13 from 2-3 p.m. The program will include a presentation from Dr. Hayes on his findings and analysis, as well as a panel discussion.
Tentative Program: May 13, 2020
| 2:00 p.m. | Welcome | Darren Spielman, executive director, WRI |
| 2:05 p.m. | Michael Hayes, PhD | Report presentation |
| 2:30 p.m. | Panel |
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| 2:50 p.m. | Final remarks |
Darren Spielman, executive director, WRI |
Registration is required for this event. A link will be sent via email prior to event. Questions for the panel may be sent in advance to mg1550@camden.rutgers.edu.
**Please note that registration will be open up until an hour before the forum. An email will be sent with the registration link to all registered participants in the morning and then also 30 minutes prior to start.**
Event RSVP
General registration (free event)