Trenton, NJ — In his final State of the State address Tuesday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy highlighted a series of significant education achievements as he prepares to leave office and hand over leadership to Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill. Murphy emphasized expanded funding, policy advances, and new statewide requirements aimed at improving learning environments for students across the state.
During the address, Murphy underlined the historic milestone of fully funding New Jersey’s school aid formula for the first time in state history, ensuring more equitable distribution of resources to K-12 districts. He also noted that nearly $90 billion in school aid has been provided during his tenure, reflecting a long-term commitment to strengthening public education.
Among the administration’s most visible accomplishments are policies aimed at improving school environments and student focus. Murphy pointed to a newly enacted bell-to-bell ban on non-academic cellphone use for K-12 students, a law designed to reduce classroom distractions and reinforce student engagement.
Murphy also celebrated New Jersey’s push toward universal early education, including expansion of full-day kindergarten and preschool access, steps he described as foundational for long-term academic success. These initiatives, backed by increased early education funding, reflect growing state support for early childhood development.
In higher education, the governor cited progress in expanding tuition-free community college opportunities and launching the Garden State Guarantee, an initiative providing financial support for students pursuing four-year degrees. These programs aim to lower barriers to post-secondary education and widen pathways to career success.
Murphy’s address also referenced broader state investments affecting schools, including support for robust teacher development efforts and technology integration. State education leaders have noted that New Jersey’s focus on both academic quality and student well-being will carry forward under the incoming administration.
As Sherrill prepares to take office, education stakeholders are watching for how her policies will build on Murphy’s legacy, including possible updates to school funding formulas and continuing efforts to support safe, equitable, and future-ready learning environments across New Jersey.
