Regular Operating Districts (ROD) Grant Allocation
On June 30, 2022, Governor Murphy signed P.L.2022, c.18 which includes a direct appropriation of $350 million to the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (NJSDA) to provide funding for grant projects in Regular Operating Districts (ROD).
Under the ROD grant program, school districts are eligible to receive at least 40 percent of approved eligible project costs and some districts may be eligible for a higher share. The funding percentage for a grant is based upon each district’s District Aid Percentage (DAP) multiplied by the eligible project costs established by New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). Districts must be able to demonstrate local matching funds for the balance of the project costs.
For a school facilities project to be considered for grant funding, the proposed scope of work must be 100 percent eligible for State support. Only projects that are 100 percent eligible for State support and included in the prioritization as outlined below are eligible for a ROD grant. Funds may be used to address health and safety, essential upgrades or repairs, and other related projects.
On 9/7/2023 the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) announced the approval of nearly $450 million in school construction funds to address critical facilities needs in 261 school districts throughout the state.
Funding for the school construction initiative was made possible through legislation signed in 2022 and grant funding from SDA allocations.