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). This funding was previously referenced in the November 2, 2022 Broadcast memo to give districts adequate time to plan their proposed projects in advance of the application opening in January 2023.
Eligibility
Under the ROD grant program, qualifying school districts are eligible to receive, at a minimum, 40 percent of approved eligible project costs. The funding award is based upon the 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.
Project Prioritization
For school facility projects to be considered for grant funding, the proposed scope of work must be 100 percent eligible for State support and be included in one the priorities listed in Appendix A, attached to the bottom of this memo. Once a school facilities project has been determined by the NJDOE to be 100 percent eligible in scope, it will be categorized in one of the listed project areas for determination of sub-ranking priority. If the proposed scope of work is applicable to more than one project area, the project will be placed in the lower sub-ranking priority. Projects that would require a referendum to raise the local share will not be considered at this time. For districts seeking projects that would require a local referendum, Debt Service Aid is available to provide state support for projects through NJDOE.
Application Timeline
The ROD Grant School District Open Application Period is January 30, 2023 – May 1, 2023
A complete project application must be received by the Office of School Facilities Projects (OSFP) via email at RODGrant5@doe.nj.gov by 5:00 p.m. on May 1, 2023, to be considered for grant funding. It is recommended that districts submit their application prior to this deadline. Please refer to the OSFP Project Application webpage for the submission process, including the project application and transmittal requirements.
c: Members, State Board of Education
NJDOE Staff
Statewide Parent Advocacy Network
Garden State Coalition of Schools
NJ LEE Group
Manuel DaSilva, CEO, NJSDA
Appendix A
The following sub-ranking “levels” for school facilities projects address the most critical operational building needs, including health and safety issues, and program mandates.
- Essential building systems upgrades (Repair or replacement of structural, mechanical/heating and cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems; Includes required refinishing work.)
- Building skin (Repair or replacement of roof, windows, masonry, etc.)
- Building code issues
- ADA upgrades (Includes site and building access, toilet room renovations.)
- Hazardous material abatement (Radon, lead, asbestos, etc.; Includes required refinishing work.)
- Security and communications systems (Includes essential systems.)
- Technology infrastructure upgrades.
- Site drainage (To remediate an existing problem; Not in conjunction with new construction.)
- Elementary school playgrounds (Includes the upgrade or replacement of existing playgrounds to meet life cycle, safety, and/or consumer product safety codes; Not applicable for new playgrounds.)
- Renovated or new early childhood classrooms (Includes the renovation and/or new construction.)
- Special population needs (For program expansion or educational adequacy.)
- Existing site upgrades, excluding athletic fields and tracks (Includes upgrades to sidewalks, paving, fencing, and security lighting.)
- Renovation and/or new construction of capacity-generating classrooms to address overcrowding or substandard conditions.