Facilities Spending and Student Learning Outcomes in New Jersey

This study aimed to determine whether infrastructure spending in the state of New Jersey is equitable across its districts. It focuses on the relationship between per-pupil spending on school infrastructure and student academic achievement. The study finds that socioeconomic status was the strongest predictor of student learning, with no significant relationship observed between spending on maintenance and operations of facilities and student learning. However, there is evidence of equitable state funding, with implications for the state’s funding policies. Of special interest may be New Jersey’s establishment of School Development Authority (SDA) districts, the use of equalization aid, and the two percent cap on school district spending.