$18,521 to $28,852Mean $23,591Bergen Co Special Service$103,100; -$16,625 real movementMercer Co Special Services School District$95,262; +$3,946 real movement
Generated comparison atlas
Budget comparison atlas
This page answers the comparison question before the ranking question. A district can look high-cost statewide and ordinary inside its county, funding model, scale group, service-load profile, or category slice. Use these frames before treating one cost rank as the budget story.
NJDOE User-Friendly Budgets, 2025-26 latest year. Dollar movement is converted to 2025 dollars where labeled real or inflation-adjusted. How this budget data works
Peer frames5
Slice rows45
Movement rows45
County pages21
Linked reports582
Read the statewide reportFull synthesis path.
Scan district first readsOne generated budget question per district.
Understand measuresUnits, denominators, and caveats.
Compare budget modelsStructure frames before rankings.
Browse reporting leadsNamed district prompts.
Understand categoriesCategory and source-row context.
Trace source mapFiles, row coverage, and caveats.
Start with cost positionQuestion-first issue brief.
Open slice filtersUse the long explorer.
Cost ranges by peer frame
The same statewide rank can mean different things inside county, funding, scale, service-load, and category frames. These strips show the peer-frame range before the report turns a cost number into a claim.
$19,042 to $51,166Mean $30,573Cape May Co Special Serv$62,303; -$8,387 real movementNorth Wildwood City$55,374; +$10,767 real movement
$19,143 to $36,356Mean $25,066Atlantic Co Special Serv$50,249; -$24,004 real movementBrigantine City$41,613; +$8,251 real movement
$17,792 to $31,833Mean $22,807Long Beach Island$38,718; +$2,092 real movementBeach Haven Boro$34,223; -$4,692 real movement
$20,101 to $33,696Mean $25,606Spring Lake Boro$43,613; +$6,371 real movementRoosevelt Boro$40,023; +$17,804 real movement
$18,772 to $30,099Mean $24,524Bergen Co Special Service$103,100; -$16,625 real movementSaddle River Boro$42,505; +$11,581 real movement
$18,933 to $26,983Mean $23,110Camden City$29,260; +$1,572 real movementNew Brunswick City$27,485; +$4,503 real movement
$18,729 to $31,388Mean $24,866Bergen Co Special Service$103,100; -$16,625 real movementMercer Co Special Services School District$95,262; +$3,946 real movement
$18,338 to $25,759Mean $21,877Roosevelt Boro$40,023; +$17,804 real movementLong Beach Island$38,718; +$2,092 real movement
$19,390 to $36,302Mean $27,060Mercer Co Special Services School District$95,262; +$3,946 real movementSalem Co Special Service$63,018; +$1,857 real movement
$18,393 to $26,050Mean $21,648Asbury Park City$33,850; -$8,306 real movementLakewood Twp$32,375; +$9,818 real movement
$18,121 to $27,239Mean $22,550Camden City$29,260; +$1,572 real movementJersey City$28,117; +$7,142 real movement
$20,415 to $29,260Mean $25,450Asbury Park City$33,850; -$8,306 real movementCamden City$29,260; +$1,572 real movement
$19,014 to $32,562Mean $24,582North Wildwood City$55,374; +$10,767 real movementWildwood Crest Boro$46,959; +$12,903 real movement
$18,090 to $42,647Mean $27,695Bergen Co Special Service$103,100; -$16,625 real movementMercer Co Special Services School District$95,262; +$3,946 real movement
$17,607 to $26,554Mean $21,929Harding Township$32,414; +$1,481 real movementLakewood Twp$32,375; +$9,818 real movement
$19,468 to $28,773Mean $23,926Spring Lake Boro$43,613; +$6,371 real movementLong Beach Island$38,718; +$2,092 real movement
$18,308 to $28,461Mean $23,297Bergen Co Special Service$103,100; -$16,625 real movementAsbury Park City$33,850; -$8,306 real movement
$17,039 to $28,709Mean $21,870Hanover Park Regional$30,192; +$3,323 real movementMonmouth Regional$29,835; +$951 real movement
Metric is NJDOE published comparative cost per pupil in nominal latest-year dollars. Bands use generated P10-to-P90 peer-frame ranges; example districts are reporting starts and can sit outside the displayed band. These are comparison context, not proof of waste, adequacy, service quality, or cause.
Comparison frame switchboard
These are the places where the first cost sentence should change frame. Each row names a district where the statewide rank is true but incomplete, then points to the county, slice, tax, proposal, or inflation-adjusted trend evidence that can carry the fairer claim.
| Switch | District | Statewide read | Frame that changes it | What to test next | Open proof | Block this shortcut |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High cost, special slice firstA high cost read needs a same-structure comparison before it becomes a story. | Bergen Co Special ServiceBergen County | $103,100 published comparative cost#1 of 566 statewide; #1 in Bergen County; -$16,625 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #1 of 77; county mean $24,524; district gap +$78,576; county range $17,126 to $103,100.Spending and student-load signals: Top-decile special-revenue scale59 districts; mean cost $23,297; P10 $18,308 / P90 $28,461; -$673 real movement.Spending and student-load signals: Top-decile benefits share59 districts; mean cost $27,695; P10 $18,090 / P90 $42,647; -$942 real movement. | Compare against the material service, scale, transfer, category, or outside-operating slice before judging the total cost line. | District peer proofReport comparisonComparison atlasCategory atlasStudent load | Do not compare transfer-heavy, placement-heavy, very small, capital-heavy, or debt-heavy rows as if they are ordinary operating peers. |
| High cost, special slice firstA high cost read needs a same-structure comparison before it becomes a story. | Mercer Co Special Services School DistrictMercer County | $95,262 published comparative cost#2 of 566 statewide; #1 in Mercer County; +$3,946 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #1 of 11; county mean $28,786; district gap +$66,476; county range $18,252 to $95,262.Spending and student-load signals: Top-decile benefits share59 districts; mean cost $27,695; P10 $18,090 / P90 $42,647; -$942 real movement.District scale: Under 500 UFB on-roll151 districts; mean cost $27,060; P10 $19,390 / P90 $36,302; +$627 real movement. | Compare against the material service, scale, transfer, category, or outside-operating slice before judging the total cost line. | District peer proofReport comparisonComparison atlasCategory atlasStudent load | Do not compare transfer-heavy, placement-heavy, very small, capital-heavy, or debt-heavy rows as if they are ordinary operating peers. |
| High cost, special slice firstA high cost read needs a same-structure comparison before it becomes a story. | Burlington Co Spec ServBurlington County | $79,585 published comparative cost#3 of 566 statewide; #1 in Burlington County; -$13,833 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #1 of 41; county mean $22,351; district gap +$57,234; county range $15,839 to $79,585.Spending and student-load signals: Top-decile benefits share59 districts; mean cost $27,695; P10 $18,090 / P90 $42,647; -$942 real movement. | Compare against the material service, scale, transfer, category, or outside-operating slice before judging the total cost line. | District peer proofReport comparisonComparison atlasCategory atlasStudent load | Do not compare transfer-heavy, placement-heavy, very small, capital-heavy, or debt-heavy rows as if they are ordinary operating peers. |
| High cost, special slice firstA high cost read needs a same-structure comparison before it becomes a story. | Salem Co Special ServiceSalem County | $63,018 published comparative cost#5 of 566 statewide; #1 in Salem County; +$1,857 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #1 of 14; county mean $23,377; district gap +$39,641; county range $16,402 to $63,018.Spending and student-load signals: Top-decile benefits share59 districts; mean cost $27,695; P10 $18,090 / P90 $42,647; -$942 real movement.District scale: Under 500 UFB on-roll151 districts; mean cost $27,060; P10 $19,390 / P90 $36,302; +$627 real movement. | Compare against the material service, scale, transfer, category, or outside-operating slice before judging the total cost line. | District peer proofReport comparisonComparison atlasCategory atlasStudent load | Do not compare transfer-heavy, placement-heavy, very small, capital-heavy, or debt-heavy rows as if they are ordinary operating peers. |
| High now, not a rising-cost storyThe level is high, but the loaded-year CPI-adjusted trend does not carry a rising-cost claim. | Gloucester Co Spec ServGloucester County | $64,243 published comparative cost#4 of 566 statewide; #1 in Gloucester County; -$8 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #1 of 29; county mean $21,539; district gap +$42,704; county range $15,758 to $64,243.Spending and student-load signals: Top-decile benefits share59 districts; mean cost $27,695; P10 $18,090 / P90 $42,647; -$942 real movement.District scale: 500 to 1,999 UFB on-roll226 districts; mean cost $23,164; P10 $18,363 / P90 $26,780; +$1 real movement. | Latest comparative cost is $64,243, while loaded-year real movement is -$8. Frame the story as position, structure, or service model unless current proposal rows change it. | District peer proofReport comparisonCost-position briefComparison atlas | Do not call a high latest-year cost a rising-cost trend without the CPI-adjusted movement evidence. |
| High now, not a rising-cost storyThe level is high, but the loaded-year CPI-adjusted trend does not carry a rising-cost claim. | Cape May Co Special ServCape May County | $62,303 published comparative cost#6 of 566 statewide; #1 in Cape May County; -$8,387 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #1 of 19; county mean $30,573; district gap +$31,730; county range $17,300 to $62,303.Spending and student-load signals: Top-decile plant operations share59 districts; mean cost $25,720; P10 $19,026 / P90 $34,439; +$269 real movement.Spending and student-load signals: Top-decile benefits share59 districts; mean cost $27,695; P10 $18,090 / P90 $42,647; -$942 real movement. | Latest comparative cost is $62,303, while loaded-year real movement is -$8,387. Frame the story as position, structure, or service model unless current proposal rows change it. | District peer proofReport comparisonCost-position briefComparison atlas | Do not call a high latest-year cost a rising-cost trend without the CPI-adjusted movement evidence. |
| Lower cost, local burden frameA lower comparative-cost line does not settle the taxpayer or payer story. | Hasbrouck Heights BoroBergen County | $20,628 published comparative cost#378 of 566 statewide; #52 in Bergen County; -$511 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #52 of 77; county mean $24,524; district gap -$3,896; county range $17,126 to $103,100.Funding models: At least 75% locally funded332 districts; mean cost $24,866; P10 $18,729 / P90 $31,388; -$412 real movement. | Put $21,059 tax levy per UFB on-roll, 92% local operating revenue, estimated tax-rate rows, and equalized value beside the cost line. | District peer proofReport comparisonTax burdenFunding brief | Do not translate low cost into low taxpayer burden or high local share into a household tax-bill claim. |
| Lower cost, local burden frameA lower comparative-cost line does not settle the taxpayer or payer story. | Wyckoff TwpBergen County | $21,805 published comparative cost#299 of 566 statewide; #46 in Bergen County; -$3,384 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #46 of 77; county mean $24,524; district gap -$2,719; county range $17,126 to $103,100.Funding models: At least 75% locally funded332 districts; mean cost $24,866; P10 $18,729 / P90 $31,388; -$412 real movement. | Put $22,031 tax levy per UFB on-roll, 92% local operating revenue, estimated tax-rate rows, and equalized value beside the cost line. | District peer proofReport comparisonTax burdenFunding brief | Do not translate low cost into low taxpayer burden or high local share into a household tax-bill claim. |
| Lower cost, local burden frameA lower comparative-cost line does not settle the taxpayer or payer story. | Cranford TwpUnion County | $19,072 published comparative cost#482 of 566 statewide; #15 in Union County; -$969 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #15 of 23; county mean $20,724; district gap -$1,652; county range $14,948 to $27,803.Funding models: At least 75% locally funded332 districts; mean cost $24,866; P10 $18,729 / P90 $31,388; -$412 real movement. | Put $18,413 tax levy per UFB on-roll, 92% local operating revenue, estimated tax-rate rows, and equalized value beside the cost line. | District peer proofReport comparisonTax burdenFunding brief | Do not translate low cost into low taxpayer burden or high local share into a household tax-bill claim. |
| Lower cost, local burden frameA lower comparative-cost line does not settle the taxpayer or payer story. | Middletown TwpMonmouth County | $20,220 published comparative cost#414 of 566 statewide; #43 in Monmouth County; +$935 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #43 of 55; county mean $25,606; district gap -$5,386; county range $18,549 to $43,613.Funding models: At least 75% locally funded332 districts; mean cost $24,866; P10 $18,729 / P90 $31,388; -$412 real movement. | Put $20,563 tax levy per UFB on-roll, 91% local operating revenue, estimated tax-rate rows, and equalized value beside the cost line. | District peer proofReport comparisonTax burdenFunding brief | Do not translate low cost into low taxpayer burden or high local share into a household tax-bill claim. |
| Ordinary statewide, high locallyThe statewide rank can hide a local cost story. | Elsinboro TwpSalem County | $24,643 published comparative cost#147 of 566 statewide; #2 in Salem County; +$4,337 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #2 of 14; county mean $23,377; district gap +$1,266; county range $16,402 to $63,018.Spending and student-load signals: Top-decile capital outlay scale59 districts; mean cost $23,926; P10 $19,468 / P90 $28,773; +$1,706 real movement.Spending and student-load signals: At least 5% budgeted placements171 districts; mean cost $24,582; P10 $19,014 / P90 $32,562; +$1,584 real movement. | Start with named county peers, then test whether service load, size, or category structure makes the local gap fair. | District peer proofReport comparisonCounty briefsDistrict index | Do not dismiss a local budget story just because the statewide rank is middle-of-pack. |
| Ordinary statewide, high locallyThe statewide rank can hide a local cost story. | Kearny TownHudson County | $24,037 published comparative cost#176 of 566 statewide; #2 in Hudson County; +$5,366 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #2 of 13; county mean $22,163; district gap +$1,874; county range $18,509 to $28,117.District scale: 5,000 to 9,999 UFB on-roll48 districts; mean cost $21,305; P10 $18,528 / P90 $24,060; +$484 real movement.Funding models: Mixed local/state model240 districts; mean cost $21,877; P10 $18,338 / P90 $25,759; +$1,059 real movement. | Start with named county peers, then test whether service load, size, or category structure makes the local gap fair. | District peer proofReport comparisonCounty briefsDistrict index | Do not dismiss a local budget story just because the statewide rank is middle-of-pack. |
| Ordinary statewide, high locallyThe statewide rank can hide a local cost story. | Perth Amboy CityMiddlesex County | $24,070 published comparative cost#174 of 566 statewide; #3 in Middlesex County; -$1,184 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #3 of 25; county mean $21,088; district gap +$2,982; county range $16,657 to $33,045.Spending and student-load signals: At least 25% school-based budgeting30 districts; mean cost $23,927; P10 $20,401 / P90 $27,066; +$564 real movement.District scale: 10,000+ UFB on-roll19 districts; mean cost $22,550; P10 $18,121 / P90 $27,239; +$1,442 real movement. | Start with named county peers, then test whether service load, size, or category structure makes the local gap fair. | District peer proofReport comparisonCounty briefsDistrict index | Do not dismiss a local budget story just because the statewide rank is middle-of-pack. |
| Ordinary statewide, high locallyThe statewide rank can hide a local cost story. | Roselle Park BoroUnion County | $23,451 published comparative cost#203 of 566 statewide; #3 in Union County; +$3,182 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #3 of 23; county mean $20,724; district gap +$2,727; county range $14,948 to $27,803.Spending and student-load signals: Top-decile plant operations share59 districts; mean cost $25,720; P10 $19,026 / P90 $34,439; +$269 real movement.Spending and student-load signals: At least 5% budgeted placements171 districts; mean cost $24,582; P10 $19,014 / P90 $32,562; +$1,584 real movement. | Start with named county peers, then test whether service load, size, or category structure makes the local gap fair. | District peer proofReport comparisonCounty briefsDistrict index | Do not dismiss a local budget story just because the statewide rank is middle-of-pack. |
| Proposal counters the loaded-year trendThe current proposal column and the inflation-adjusted loaded-year trend point in different directions. | Saddle River BoroBergen County | $42,505 published comparative cost#12 of 566 statewide; #2 in Bergen County; +$11,581 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #2 of 77; county mean $24,524; district gap +$17,981; county range $17,126 to $103,100.Latest proposal checkOperating -$441,392; published cost line -$7,280; Capital outlay -$285,371. | Latest proposal cost-line movement is -$7,280; loaded-year real movement is +$11,581. | District peer proofReport comparisonCurrent proposalReal movement | Do not write the proposal as the long-run trend, or the long-run trend as the current budget action. |
| Rising after inflation, not high nowThe trend may be reportable even when the latest cost level is not high. | Fairview BoroBergen County | $20,598 published comparative cost#381 of 566 statewide; #53 in Bergen County; +$9,534 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #53 of 77; county mean $24,524; district gap -$3,926; county range $17,126 to $103,100.District scale: 500 to 1,999 UFB on-roll226 districts; mean cost $23,164; P10 $18,363 / P90 $26,780; +$1 real movement.Funding models: Mixed local/state model240 districts; mean cost $21,877; P10 $18,338 / P90 $25,759; +$1,059 real movement. | Comparative cost moved +$9,534 in 2025 dollars; open denominator, funding, and category rows before writing why. | District peer proofReport comparisonReal movementCost anatomy | Do not use a middle latest rank to hide a real increase, and do not treat real movement as causality. |
| Rising after inflation, not high nowThe trend may be reportable even when the latest cost level is not high. | Edgewater BoroBergen County | $23,402 published comparative cost#206 of 566 statewide; #31 in Bergen County; +$9,292 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #31 of 77; county mean $24,524; district gap -$1,122; county range $17,126 to $103,100.District scale: 500 to 1,999 UFB on-roll226 districts; mean cost $23,164; P10 $18,363 / P90 $26,780; +$1 real movement.Funding models: At least 75% locally funded332 districts; mean cost $24,866; P10 $18,729 / P90 $31,388; -$412 real movement. | Comparative cost moved +$9,292 in 2025 dollars; open denominator, funding, and category rows before writing why. | District peer proofReport comparisonReal movementCost anatomy | Do not use a middle latest rank to hide a real increase, and do not treat real movement as causality. |
| Proposal counters the loaded-year trendThe current proposal column and the inflation-adjusted loaded-year trend point in different directions. | South Hackensack TwpBergen County | $24,985 published comparative cost#138 of 566 statewide; #22 in Bergen County; +$1,338 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #22 of 77; county mean $24,524; district gap +$461; county range $17,126 to $103,100.Latest proposal checkOperating +$381,159; published cost line -$4,401; General current +$381,159. | Latest proposal cost-line movement is -$4,401; loaded-year real movement is +$1,338. | District peer proofReport comparisonCurrent proposalReal movement | Do not write the proposal as the long-run trend, or the long-run trend as the current budget action. |
| Rising after inflation, not high nowThe trend may be reportable even when the latest cost level is not high. | East Newark BoroHudson County | $20,916 published comparative cost#363 of 566 statewide; #9 in Hudson County; +$8,784 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #9 of 13; county mean $22,163; district gap -$1,247; county range $18,509 to $28,117.District scale: Under 500 UFB on-roll151 districts; mean cost $27,060; P10 $19,390 / P90 $36,302; +$627 real movement.Funding models: Mixed local/state model240 districts; mean cost $21,877; P10 $18,338 / P90 $25,759; +$1,059 real movement. | Comparative cost moved +$8,784 in 2025 dollars; open denominator, funding, and category rows before writing why. | District peer proofReport comparisonReal movementCost anatomy | Do not use a middle latest rank to hide a real increase, and do not treat real movement as causality. |
| Rising after inflation, not high nowThe trend may be reportable even when the latest cost level is not high. | Dover TownMorris County | $23,288 published comparative cost#211 of 566 statewide; #17 in Morris County; +$8,470 real movement. | County peer framecounty rank #17 of 40; county mean $23,638; district gap -$350; county range $16,037 to $32,414.District scale: 2,000 to 4,999 UFB on-roll134 districts; mean cost $21,648; P10 $18,393 / P90 $26,050; +$41 real movement.Funding models: Mixed local/state model240 districts; mean cost $21,877; P10 $18,338 / P90 $25,759; +$1,059 real movement. | Comparative cost moved +$8,470 in 2025 dollars; open denominator, funding, and category rows before writing why. | District peer proofReport comparisonReal movementCost anatomy | Do not use a middle latest rank to hide a real increase, and do not treat real movement as causality. |
The switchboard uses NJDOE's published comparative-cost line for ranks, county peers for local context, generated latest-year comparison slices for structure, CPI-adjusted movement where labeled real, and nominal latest-file proposal movement where labeled proposal. It is a triage layer, not a rating.
Comparison decision layer
Use this before quoting a rank. The first question is not whether a district is high or low statewide; it is which peer frame can carry the claim: county, funding model, scale, cost band, service-load slice, tax basis, category spread, or real movement.
| Reader question | Best first frame | Use it when | Switch frames when | Examples / open | Block this shortcut |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Is this high for the local area?Start with county before statewide rank. | Bergen77 districts; mean $24,524; range $17,126 to $103,100Mercer11 districts; mean $28,786; range $18,252 to $95,262Burlington41 districts; mean $22,351; range $15,839 to $79,585 | Use county pages when the reader needs the local peer spread and named nearby district reports. | Switch frames when a county mixes ordinary K-12, regional, vocational, tiny, special-service, transfer-heavy, or placement-heavy districts. | Bergen77 districts; mean $24,524; range $17,126 to $103,100Mercer11 districts; mean $28,786; range $18,252 to $95,262County briefsCost-position brief | Do not turn a county average into a fair benchmark when the county range is wide or the district model is unusual. |
| Is the district structurally comparable?Funding model can be the peer set. | At least 75% state-funded23 districts; mean cost $23,110; P10 $18,933 / P90 $26,983; 10% local / 85% stateAt least 75% locally funded332 districts; mean cost $24,866; P10 $18,729 / P90 $31,388; 86% local / 9% stateTop-decile other/fund-balance share60 districts; mean cost $24,132; P10 $20,048 / P90 $29,367; 48% local / 35% state | Use funding-model frames when local/state/federal/fund-balance mix changes what the cost line means. | Switch away from county when revenue model, one-time support, or state-aid dependence dominates the read. | Camden CityAt least 75% state-funded; $29,260; +$1,572 real movement; CamdenNew Brunswick CityAt least 75% state-funded; $27,485; +$4,503 real movement; MiddlesexPlainfield CityAt least 75% state-funded; $27,019; +$5,854 real movement; UnionModel atlasFunding brief | Do not describe a district as expensive or efficient without naming whether the payer model is comparable. |
| Is scale driving the per-student number?Small fixed costs and very large systems need separate frames. | Under 500 UFB on-roll151 districts; mean cost $27,060; P10 $19,390 / P90 $36,302; 78% local / 15% state10,000+ UFB on-roll19 districts; mean cost $22,550; P10 $18,121 / P90 $27,239; 28% local / 66% state | Use scale groups when fixed costs, staffing depth, facilities, or large-system program structure could explain cost position. | Switch away from statewide rank when UFB on-roll is tiny or the district is among the largest systems. | Mercer Co Special Services School DistrictUnder 500 UFB on-roll; $95,262; +$3,946 real movement; MercerSalem Co Special ServiceUnder 500 UFB on-roll; $63,018; +$1,857 real movement; SalemCape May Co Special ServUnder 500 UFB on-roll; $62,303; -$8,387 real movement; Cape MayComparison atlasMeasure guide | Do not read a small-district per-pupil cost as a program-cost claim without the denominator and fixed-cost context. |
| Is the story level or movement?Cost rank and real movement answer different questions. | Top decile comparative cost57 districts; mean cost $39,021; P10 $29,480 / P90 $58,146; 57% local / 34% stateTop decile comparative cost+$2,088 real comparative-cost movement; +$5,775 real operating per UFB on-rollBottom decile comparative cost-$1,363 real comparative-cost movement; -$691 real operating per UFB on-roll | Use real movement only where dollars are labeled in 2025 dollars and the comparison group is explicit. | Switch from rank to movement when the question is whether a district or slice changed over loaded UFB years. | Bergen Co Special ServiceTop decile comparative cost; $103,100; -$16,625 real movement; BergenMercer Co Special Services School DistrictTop decile comparative cost; $95,262; +$3,946 real movement; MercerBurlington Co Spec ServTop decile comparative cost; $79,585; -$13,833 real movement; BurlingtonReal movementCost position | Do not use a high latest-year rank as proof that costs are rising, or a rising real trend as proof that the level is high. |
| Is the comparison really a service-load or spending-slice story?Transfers, placements, transportation, benefits, capital, and debt can define fair peers. | At least 5% budgeted placements171 districts; mean cost $24,582; P10 $19,014 / P90 $32,562; 36% local / 56% stateAt least 10% charter/Renaissance transfers11 districts; mean cost $25,450; P10 $20,415 / P90 $29,260; 25% local / 68% stateTop-decile transportation share60 districts; mean cost $21,929; P10 $17,607 / P90 $26,554; 73% local / 23% stateTop-decile capital outlay scale59 districts; mean cost $23,926; P10 $19,468 / P90 $28,773; 50% local / 36% state | Use category/service-load slices when a single cost rank hides what kind of spending structure is being compared. | Switch away from county when transfer, placement, transportation, capital, special-revenue, or debt-service scale is material. | North Wildwood CityAt least 5% budgeted placements; $55,374; +$10,767 real movement; Cape MayWildwood Crest BoroAt least 5% budgeted placements; $46,959; +$12,903 real movement; Cape MaySpring Lake BoroAt least 5% budgeted placements; $43,613; +$6,371 real movement; MonmouthCategory atlasStudent load | Do not compare unlike service models as if every dollar stays inside the same operating structure. |
| Is tax burden different from cost?Local share, levy per student, estimated rate, and tax base are separate comparisons. | Tax levy per UFB on-rollstatewide $13,812; median $17,783; P10 $7,084 / P90 $28,353Local operating revenuestatewide 59%; median 79%; P10 32% / P90 90%At least 75% locally funded332 districts; mean cost $24,866; P10 $18,729 / P90 $31,388; 86% local / 9% state | Use tax-basis context when the reader question is local burden, not whether a district spends more. | Switch away from cost rank when tax base, regional allocation, local revenue share, or estimated rate is the actual claim. | Bergen Co Special ServiceAt least 75% locally funded; $103,100; -$16,625 real movement; BergenMercer Co Special Services School DistrictAt least 75% locally funded; $95,262; +$3,946 real movement; MercerBurlington Co Spec ServAt least 75% locally funded; $79,585; -$13,833 real movement; BurlingtonTax burdenFunding brief | Do not translate lower cost into lower taxpayer burden, or higher local share into a household tax-bill claim. |
| Which category spread deserves a peer check?Some category signals are better comparison frames than total cost. | Employee benefitsstatewide 16%; median 18%; P10 10% / P90 22%Transportationstatewide 7%; median 5%; P10 2% / P90 9%Plant operationsstatewide 9%; median 9%; P10 6% / P90 12%Budgeted out-of-district placementsstatewide 5%; median 2%; P10 <1% / P90 34% | Use metric-spread checks when a category row is the plausible explanation for why a district looks different. | Switch from total comparative cost to category spread when benefits, transportation, plant operations, placements, or tax are the visible outlier. | Salem Co Special ServiceEmployee benefits; 31%; SalemBurlington Co Spec ServEmployee benefits; 31%; BurlingtonLittle Egg Harbor TwpEmployee benefits; 30%; OceanCategory atlasSpending ladder | Do not add overlapping category rows into a total or imply the category explains quality, adequacy, or waste by itself. |
The decision layer combines latest-year peer slices with CPI-adjusted movement rows. It is a guide to fair comparison, not a rating or causal model.
Comparison family triage
After the first frame is chosen, use these families to decide what kind of peer set can carry the next sentence. The starter set deliberately filters out the strongest special-case UFB signals so ordinary operating comparisons do not get drowned out by transfer, placement, tiny-denominator, one-time, or outside-operating rows.
| Comparison family | Use it when | What it controls | What current UFB says | Examples | Block this shortcut | Open next |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-special-signal operating starter setA first pass before special-case rows dominate the comparison. | Use when the reader needs an ordinary operating-cost benchmark and the district does not show large transfer, placement, school-based, one-time-support, or outside-operating signals. | Requires at least 500 UFB on-roll and removes rows flagged by the generated UFB signals for transfers, placements, school-based budgeting, material one-time source support, or outside-operating scale. | Starter set138 districts; mean cost $22,003; P10 $18,330 / P90 $25,592; mean real movement -$579 | Bridgewater-Raritan Reg$21,994; Somerset County; 7,507 UFB on-rollHackettstown$21,989; Warren County; 1,965 UFB on-rollGlen Rock Boro$22,050; Bergen County; 2,555 UFB on-roll | Do not call this an official district type or a proof of comparability. Grade span, regional/vocational/special status, contracts, and local program choices still need checking outside this UFB screen. | Comparison atlasMeasure guideDistrict leads |
| Local county familyGeography before statewide rank. | Use when the claim is whether a district is high or low for the local area residents compare against first. | Controls for nearby labor, housing, tax-base, and county context only loosely; it does not control for district model or service load. | Bergen77 districts; mean $24,524; range $17,126 to $103,100Mercer11 districts; mean $28,786; range $18,252 to $95,262Burlington41 districts; mean $22,351; range $15,839 to $79,585 | Bergen Co Special Service$103,100; Bergen County rank #1Mercer Co Special Services School District$95,262; Mercer County rank #1Burlington Co Spec Serv$79,585; Burlington County rank #1 | Do not treat the county average as fair when the county range mixes tiny, regional, vocational, special-service, transfer-heavy, or placement-heavy rows. | County briefsCost briefDistrict index |
| Funding-model familyWho pays before what it costs. | Use when local share, state aid dependence, federal revenue, or fund-balance/other support changes the meaning of the cost line. | Controls for operating revenue mix. It does not control for spending categories, service load, or tax base by itself. | At least 75% state-funded23 districts; mean cost $23,110; P10 $18,933 / P90 $26,983; 10% local / 85% stateAt least 75% locally funded332 districts; mean cost $24,866; P10 $18,729 / P90 $31,388; 86% local / 9% stateMixed local/state model240 districts; mean cost $21,877; P10 $18,338 / P90 $25,759; 50% local / 41% stateTop-decile other/fund-balance share60 districts; mean cost $24,132; P10 $20,048 / P90 $29,367; 48% local / 35% state | Camden CityAt least 75% state-funded; $29,260New Brunswick CityAt least 75% state-funded; $27,485Plainfield CityAt least 75% state-funded; $27,019 | Do not describe a district as expensive, efficient, or taxpayer-funded without naming the payer frame and its limits. | Model atlasFunding briefTax brief |
| Scale familyDenominator and fixed-cost context. | Use when UFB on-roll size could explain a per-student number before program or efficiency claims are made. | Controls for planning-enrollment scale. It does not prove the fixed cost, grade span, staffing model, or facility pattern. | Under 500 UFB on-roll151 districts; mean cost $27,060; P10 $19,390 / P90 $36,302; 78% local / 15% state500 to 1,999 UFB on-roll226 districts; mean cost $23,164; P10 $18,363 / P90 $26,780; 71% local / 22% state10,000+ UFB on-roll19 districts; mean cost $22,550; P10 $18,121 / P90 $27,239; 28% local / 66% state | Mercer Co Special Services School DistrictUnder 500 UFB on-roll; $95,262Salem Co Special ServiceUnder 500 UFB on-roll; $63,018Cape May Co Special ServUnder 500 UFB on-roll; $62,303 | Do not write that a small-district cost line proves program cost, waste, or quality without the denominator and fixed-cost checks. | Measure guideStudent-load briefModel atlas |
| Service-load and transfer familyStudent flow before resident-base comparisons. | Use when placements, charter/Renaissance transfers, received students, special education, or school-based budgeting can make a resident-district comparison misleading. | Controls for visible UFB service-load and high-level use signals. It does not allocate tuition, transportation, staffing, or program quality. | At least 5% budgeted placements171 districts; mean cost $24,582; P10 $19,014 / P90 $32,562; 36% local / 56% stateAt least 10% charter/Renaissance transfers11 districts; mean cost $25,450; P10 $20,415 / P90 $29,260; 25% local / 68% stateAt least 25% school-based budgeting30 districts; mean cost $23,927; P10 $20,401 / P90 $27,066; 21% local / 73% state | North Wildwood CityAt least 5% budgeted placements; $55,374Wildwood Crest BoroAt least 5% budgeted placements; $46,959Spring Lake BoroAt least 5% budgeted placements; $43,613 | Do not compare unlike service models as if every dollar serves the same local enrollment base. | Student-load briefCategory atlasModel atlas |
| Category-spread familyWhich budget part makes the difference? | Use when the story is benefits, transportation, plant operations, administration, placements, capital, debt, or another source-row family rather than total cost. | Controls for the specific row or family being compared. Rows can be nested or outside operating budget, so they are evidence lenses rather than an additive bridge. | Employee benefitsstatewide 16%; median 18%; P10 10% / P90 22%Transportationstatewide 7%; median 5%; P10 2% / P90 9%Plant operationsstatewide 9%; median 9%; P10 6% / P90 12%Budgeted out-of-district placementsstatewide 5%; median 2%; P10 <1% / P90 34% | Salem Co Special ServiceEmployee benefits: 31%Burlington Co Spec ServEmployee benefits: 31%Little Egg Harbor TwpEmployee benefits: 30% | Do not add overlapping rows together or imply that a category spread proves cause, waste, quality, or adequacy. | Category atlasSource rowsSpending ladder |
| Real-movement familyChange after inflation before trend claims. | Use when the claim is whether spending or cost changed across loaded UFB years in 2025 dollars. | Controls for nominal-dollar drift by using CPI-adjusted movement where labeled real. It does not prove why the movement happened. | Top decile comparative cost+$2,088 real comparative-cost movement; +$5,775 real operating per UFB on-rollMiddle-half comparative cost+$155 real comparative-cost movement; +$930 real operating per UFB on-rollBottom-quarter comparative cost-$822 real comparative-cost movement; -$440 real operating per UFB on-roll | Atlantic Co Special Serv-$24,004 real comparative-cost movement; $50,249 latest costRoosevelt Boro+$17,804 real comparative-cost movement; $40,023 latest costBergen Co Special Service-$16,625 real comparative-cost movement; $103,100 latest cost | Do not call ordinary nominal increases the story, and do not use real movement as proof of staffing, contracts, program change, or quality. | Real-movement briefStatewide trendCost anatomy |
| Tax-basis familyLocal burden is not the same as spending. | Use when the reader question is levy per student, estimated rate, local revenue share, tax base, or regional allocation rather than total cost. | Controls for tax-basis evidence. It does not translate into a household tax bill or audited property-tax burden. | Tax levy per UFB on-rollstatewide $13,812; median $17,783; P10 $7,084 / P90 $28,353Local operating revenuestatewide 59%; median 79%; P10 32% / P90 90%At least 75% locally funded332 districts; mean cost $24,866; P10 $18,729 / P90 $31,388; 86% local / 9% state | Bergen Co Special ServiceAt least 75% locally funded; $103,100Mercer Co Special Services School DistrictAt least 75% locally funded; $95,262Saddle River BoroTax levy per UFB on-roll: $77,193 | Do not translate low cost into low local burden, or high local share into a household tax-bill claim. | Tax briefFunding briefSource map |
The low-special-signal starter set is generated from UFB fields and story tags, not from an official district-type file. It removes rows with under-500 UFB on-roll or material generated transfer, placement, school-based, one-time-support, or outside-operating signals; local reporting still has to verify grade span, regional status, vocational/special-service status, contracts, and program model.
Relative-cost explanation ladder
After choosing the fair peer frame, test why the cost number looks different. The ladder keeps the published comparative-cost line beside county gaps, slice peers, category and service-load signals, inflation-adjusted movement, proposal timing, tax basis, and outside-operating context.
| Cost question | Relative evidence | Explanation clues | Trend / proposal check | Open first | Block this shortcut |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Is the cost high locally?Start with a peer gap, not a statewide adjective. | Bergen Co Special Service$103,100; +$78,576 vs county mean; county rank #1Mercer Co Special Services School District$95,262; +$66,476 vs county mean; county rank #1Burlington Co Spec Serv$79,585; +$57,234 vs county mean; county rank #1 | Statewide mean$23,591 published comparative costTop decile comparative cost57 districts; mean cost $39,021; P10 $29,480 / P90 $58,146; +$2,088 real movement | If the local gap is large, check whether the same district is also a scale, service-load, funding-model, or category outlier. | Comparison atlasCounty briefsCost-position brief | Do not translate a rank into waste, efficiency, quality, or adequacy. |
| Is the denominator or service model different?Small systems, placements, and receiving districts can change the cost read. | Under 500 UFB on-roll151 districts; mean cost $27,060; P10 $19,390 / P90 $36,302; +$627 real movementAt least 5% budgeted placements171 districts; mean cost $24,582; P10 $19,014 / P90 $32,562; +$1,584 real movement | Bergen Co Special Service$103,100; Bergen; state rank #1; 587 UFB on-roll; special-ed rows exceed UFB on-roll; 0% placement loadMercer Co Special Services School District$95,262; Mercer; state rank #2; 470 UFB on-roll; 100% special-ed on-roll; 0% placement loadBurlington Co Spec Serv$79,585; Burlington; state rank #3; 527 UFB on-roll; 93% special-ed on-roll; 0% placement load | Read UFB planning on-roll beside fall enrollment, sent/received rows, special-education rows, and cost-change anatomy. | Student-load briefMeasure guideComparison atlas | Do not silently replace NJDOE comparative cost with a different denominator. |
| Is a category explaining the difference?Category concentration can be a better story than total cost. | Employee benefitsstatewide 16%; median 18%; P10 10% / P90 22%Transportationstatewide 7%; median 5%; P10 2% / P90 9%Plant operationsstatewide 9%; median 9%; P10 6% / P90 12%Budgeted out-of-district placementsstatewide 5%; median 2%; P10 <1% / P90 34% | New Brunswick City$27,485; Middlesex; state rank #74; school-based budgeting 55%Pemberton Twp$25,019; Burlington; state rank #136; school-based budgeting 55%Camden City$29,260; Camden; state rank #54; charter/Renaissance transfers 54% | Compare standardized pupil-cost rows, high-level use rows, and source-family trends before reading a category as the cause. | Category atlasSpending ladderCategory brief | Do not add nested UFB rows together or imply that one category proves quality, waste, or causality. |
| Is it a payer or tax-basis story?Cost and local burden are related but not interchangeable. | At least 75% locally funded332 districts; mean cost $24,866; P10 $18,729 / P90 $31,388; -$412 real movementAt least 75% state-funded23 districts; mean cost $23,110; P10 $18,933 / P90 $26,983; +$1,417 real movementTax levy per UFB on-rollstatewide $13,812; median $17,783; P10 $7,084 / P90 $28,353 | Burlington Co Spec Serv$79,585; Burlington; state rank #3; 100% local / n/a state; $9,488 levy per UFB on-rollSalem Co Special Service$63,018; Salem; state rank #5; 100% local / n/a state; $225 levy per UFB on-rollWarren Co Special Service$50,000; Warren; state rank #9; 100% local / n/a state; n/a levy per UFB on-roll | Put operating revenue mix beside levy per student, estimated rate, equalized value, and regional tax slices. | Funding briefTax burdenSource map | Do not convert operating-revenue share into household tax-bill advice. |
| Did the cost actually move after inflation?Level and change are separate claims. | Top decile comparative cost+$2,088 real comparative-cost movement; +$5,775 real operating per UFB on-rollUpper-quarter cost, below top decile+$1,154 real comparative-cost movement; +$3,267 real operating per UFB on-roll | Roosevelt Boro$40,023; Monmouth; state rank #14; +$17,804 real comparative-cost movementCranbury Twp$33,045; Middlesex; state rank #26; +$12,938 real comparative-cost movementWildwood Crest Boro$46,959; Cape May; state rank #10; +$12,903 real comparative-cost movement | Then check whether denominator, funding mix, category rows, or service-load rows moved in the same direction. | Real-movement briefStatewide trendCost anatomy | Do not treat nominal budget growth as the finding, or use a high latest rank as proof of rising cost. |
| Is the latest proposal changing the story now?Proposal columns are a timing basis, not a long-run trend. | Operating budgetproposed $35.5B; +$371.3M versus revised/currentPublished comparative costproposed $23,544; +$215 versus revised/currentUFB planning on-rollproposed 1,371,767; +21,220 versus revised/currentTotal Tax Levy+$945.4M versus revised/current; +3% of statewide operating scale | Proposed operating budgets move +$371.3M statewide; mean proposed comparative cost moves +$215. | Read current proposal movement beside CPI-adjusted loaded-year movement, then open named row drivers for district examples. | Current-proposal briefProposal rowsNamed lines | Do not describe proposal movement as audited actual spending or inflation-adjusted trend. |
| Is outside or one-time money changing the read?Some visible budget rows are recurrence or fund-scope questions. | Top-decile other/fund-balance share60 districts; mean cost $24,132; P10 $20,048 / P90 $29,367; +$1,751 real movementTop-decile special-revenue scale59 districts; mean cost $23,297; P10 $18,308 / P90 $28,461; -$673 real movementTop-decile debt-service scale41 districts; mean cost $21,870; P10 $17,039 / P90 $28,709; +$478 real movementTop-decile capital outlay scale59 districts; mean cost $23,926; P10 $19,468 / P90 $28,773; +$1,706 real movement | Loch Arbour School DistrictMonmouth; 80% one-time source support; n/a special revenue scaleHunterdon Co Ed Ser CommHunterdon; 0% one-time source support; 63% special revenue scaleLongportAtlantic; 43% one-time source support; n/a special revenue scale | 328 districts meet the material one-time source-row screen; compare with balances, reserves, unusual rows, and side files. | One-time supportOutside-operating briefSource map | Do not call planned fund-balance, reserve, grant, capital, or debt rows recurring operating spending or audited fiscal stress. |
The ladder is a comparison guide. It uses NJDOE's published comparative-cost line, UFB planning-enrollment denominators, General Fund operating revenue, CPI-adjusted movement where labeled real, and nominal proposal columns where labeled proposal.
Which comparison frame should carry the claim?
Each frame answers a different reader question. County is often the first peer set, but funding model, district scale, cost position, and category/service-load signals can be fairer for specific claims.
| Frame | Use it when | Rows | Counter-reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| County peer sets | County slices show whether a district is unusual for its local comparison set before opening the district-level report. | 21 | Comparative-cost values are unweighted means of NJDOE's published district lines; funding and spending shares are operating-budget weighted. |
| Funding models | The same cost line can mean different things when one district is mostly state-funded and another is mostly locally funded. | 5 | Revenue shares are General Fund operating revenue; the federal and other/fund-balance rows can overlap with the broader model rows. |
| District scale | Size changes the budget question: very small districts, mid-size systems, and the largest systems carry different fixed-cost and program structures. | 5 | UFB on-roll is the planning-enrollment row in the budget file, not the fall enrollment profile count. |
| Cost position | Cost slices separate the statewide distribution from the district table and keep top-cost rows comparable to lower-cost peers. | 5 | The comparative-cost line is NJDOE's published measure, not operating budget divided by enrollment. |
| Spending and student-load signals | These overlapping slices expose the categories that explain why budgets differ: transfers, school-based rows, benefits, transportation, plant operations, placements, grants, and debt. | 9 | Some rows are nested or outside the operating fund, so they are comparison signals rather than one additive spending mix. |
County peer ranges
County pages put local peer ranges first. The range column is often more important than the county average because wide counties can hide several budget models.
| County | Rows | Mean / range | Spread | Funding mix | Structure signals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen | 77 | $24,524$17,126 to $103,100 | $85,974 | 80% local / 15% state | 1% transfer; 2% school-based |
| Mercer | 11 | $28,786$18,252 to $95,262 | $77,010 | 54% local / 41% state | 5% transfer; 11% school-based |
| Burlington | 41 | $22,351$15,839 to $79,585 | $63,746 | 62% local / 32% state | 1% transfer; 5% school-based |
| Gloucester | 29 | $21,539$15,758 to $64,243 | $48,485 | 57% local / 37% state | <1% transfer; 0% school-based |
| Salem | 14 | $23,377$16,402 to $63,018 | $46,616 | 42% local / 51% state | 1% transfer; 6% school-based |
| Cape May | 19 | $30,573$17,300 to $62,303 | $45,003 | 77% local / 13% state | <1% transfer; 0% school-based |
| Atlantic | 26 | $25,066$17,988 to $50,249 | $32,261 | 42% local / 46% state | 2% transfer; 5% school-based |
| Warren | 24 | $22,706$18,051 to $50,000 | $31,949 | 62% local / 31% state | <1% transfer; 12% school-based |
| Ocean | 29 | $22,807$13,497 to $38,718 | $25,221 | 75% local / 22% state | 1% transfer; 3% school-based |
| Monmouth | 55 | $25,606$18,549 to $43,613 | $25,064 | 80% local / 14% state | 1% transfer; 6% school-based |
| Hunterdon | 27 | $25,764$14,577 to $36,095 | $21,518 | 85% local / 9% state | <1% transfer; 0% school-based |
| Middlesex | 25 | $21,088$16,657 to $33,045 | $16,388 | 59% local / 35% state | 2% transfer; 9% school-based |
| Morris | 40 | $23,638$16,037 to $32,414 | $16,377 | 81% local / 13% state | <1% transfer; 0% school-based |
| Camden | 39 | $21,495$16,370 to $30,184 | $13,814 | 42% local / 49% state | 11% transfer; 5% school-based |
| Somerset | 19 | $24,879$19,197 to $32,638 | $13,441 | 78% local / 18% state | 2% transfer; 0% school-based |
| Sussex | 26 | $23,908$19,238 to $32,606 | $13,368 | 76% local / 19% state | 1% transfer; 0% school-based |
| Union | 23 | $20,724$14,948 to $27,803 | $12,855 | 47% local / 50% state | 3% transfer; 17% school-based |
| Essex | 23 | $21,916$17,174 to $26,841 | $9,667 | 38% local / 57% state | 13% transfer; 21% school-based |
| Hudson | 13 | $22,163$18,509 to $28,117 | $9,608 | 49% local / 41% state | 9% transfer; 30% school-based |
| Passaic | 21 | $22,541$18,362 to $26,590 | $8,228 | 41% local / 53% state | 9% transfer; 20% school-based |
| Cumberland | 14 | $20,844$18,028 to $25,903 | $7,875 | 17% local / 76% state | 2% transfer; 39% school-based |
Budget model clusters
These overlapping clusters summarize the budget models that distort simple statewide rankings: local-funded high cost, state-funded systems, transfer-heavy budgets, school-based budgeting, small fixed costs, placement load, and outside-operating scale.
| Cluster | Districts | Cost / movement | Funding and load | Examples | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-cost, locally fundedHigh published cost paired with mostly local operating revenue points to local tax-base, scale, and service-structure questions. | 104 | $32,574+$741 real movement | 87% local / 6% state1% transfer; 6% placement load | Bergen Co Special Service $103,100Mercer Co Special Services School District $95,262 | Comparative cost is NJDOE's published line; local share is General Fund operating revenue, not all-funds revenue. |
| Mostly state-funded operating budgetsThese districts depend on state revenue for most of the operating budget, so aid-line changes are central to the local story. | 23 | $23,110+$1,417 real movement | 10% local / 85% state16% transfer; 8% placement load | City of Orange Twp 91%Trenton Public School District 91% | The funding share is operating revenue; it does not mean the state pays the same share of every grant, debt, or capital row. |
| One-time source supportFund-balance, reserve, and carryover source rows can make the funding story about recurrence rather than only local/state share. | 328 | $23,868+$805 real movement | 51% local / 40% state6% transfer; 5% placement load | Loch Arbour School District 80%Longport 43% | These are planned UFB revenue-source rows. They are not audited cash stress, proof of a structural deficit, or recurring operating revenue. |
| Charter/Renaissance transfer pressureTransfer-heavy budgets have a different operating-use structure from districts where most dollars stay inside General Fund current expense. | 11 | $25,450+$102 real movement | 25% local / 68% state23% transfer; 8% placement load | Camden City 54%Newark City 26% | Transfers are high-level General Fund appropriation rows divided by proposed operating budget as a common scale. |
| School-based budgeting systemsSchool-based budgeting rows signal a district model where resources are pushed into school-level statements instead of only central lines. | 30 | $23,927+$564 real movement | 21% local / 73% state13% transfer; 7% placement load | Harrison Town 61%Perth Amboy City 55% | School-based contribution rows are source-reported budget rows and should not be stacked with nested lower-level rows. |
| Small-district fixed-cost casesSmall UFB on-roll counts can make fixed administrative, facilities, tuition, and placement costs dominate the per-pupil story. | 151 | $27,060+$627 real movement | 78% local / 15% state<1% transfer; 18% placement load | Mercer Co Special Services School District $95,262Salem Co Special Service $63,018 | UFB on-roll is a planning-enrollment row and can differ from fall enrollment on district profiles. |
| Placement-heavy budgetsOut-of-district placement rows can explain why cost or tax burden looks high even when ordinary operating categories do not. | 171 | $24,582+$1,584 real movement | 36% local / 56% state12% transfer; 12% placement load | Saddle River Boro 162%Oaklyn Boro 80% | Placement load divides UFB budget-enrollment rows by UFB on-roll; it is a planning measure, not a student roster. |
| Large outside-operating scaleLarge grant, special-revenue, or debt-service scale can make all-funds totals diverge from the operating-budget story. | 97 | $22,763-$210 real movement | 63% local / 31% state2% transfer; 4% placement load | Hunterdon Co Ed Ser Comm 63%Lakewood Twp 36% | Outside-operating rows use proposed operating budget only as a scale reference; they are not part of one additive mix. |
Slice atlas
The slice atlas exposes the full comparison menu used by the explorer. It keeps cost, movement, funding, transfer, school-based budgeting, placement, tax, and district examples together.
| Slice | Rows | Cost spread | Movement / funding | Structure signals | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| County peer setsCape May County | 1917 linked reports; 11,449 UFB on-roll | $30,573P10 $19,042; P90 $51,166 | +$67077% local / 13% state | <1% transfers; 0% school-based10% placement load; $18,121 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Cape May Co Special Serv$62,303; -$8,387 real movementNorth Wildwood City$55,374; +$10,767 real movement |
| County peer setsMercer County | 1111 linked reports; 62,766 UFB on-roll | $28,786P10 $18,438; P90 $26,049 | +$52254% local / 41% state | 5% transfers; 11% school-based6% placement load; $13,014 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Mercer Co Special Services School District$95,262; +$3,946 real movementHopewell Valley Regional$26,049; -$1,320 real movement |
| County peer setsHunterdon County | 2727 linked reports; 18,245 UFB on-roll | $25,764P10 $20,598; P90 $30,522 | -$1,38585% local / 9% state | <1% transfers; 0% school-based2% placement load; $22,826 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Milford Boro$36,095; +$9,983 real movementFrenchtown Boro$32,779; +$5,626 real movement |
| County peer setsMonmouth County | 5550 linked reports; 89,784 UFB on-roll | $25,606P10 $20,101; P90 $33,696 | +$1,64780% local / 14% state | 1% transfers; 6% school-based3% placement load; $19,499 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Spring Lake Boro$43,613; +$6,371 real movementRoosevelt Boro$40,023; +$17,804 real movement |
| County peer setsAtlantic County | 2624 linked reports; 41,672 UFB on-roll | $25,066P10 $19,143; P90 $36,356 | +$14642% local / 46% state | 2% transfers; 5% school-based4% placement load; $10,553 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Atlantic Co Special Serv$50,249; -$24,004 real movementBrigantine City$41,613; +$8,251 real movement |
| County peer setsSomerset County | 1919 linked reports; 50,934 UFB on-roll | $24,879P10 $21,580; P90 $30,067 | +$1,44578% local / 18% state | 2% transfers; 0% school-based5% placement load; $20,123 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Somerset Co Vocational$32,638; -$8,649 real movementBedminster Twp$32,329; +$3,989 real movement |
| County peer setsBergen County | 7776 linked reports; 134,381 UFB on-roll | $24,524P10 $18,772; P90 $30,099 | +$6480% local / 15% state | 1% transfers; 2% school-based5% placement load; $20,129 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Bergen Co Special Service$103,100; -$16,625 real movementSaddle River Boro$42,505; +$11,581 real movement |
| County peer setsSussex County | 2626 linked reports; 20,066 UFB on-roll | $23,908P10 $20,716; P90 $28,200 | -$1,08176% local / 19% state | 1% transfers; 0% school-based5% placement load; $18,681 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Hamburg Boro$32,606; +$3,172 real movementSandyston-Walpack Twp$32,538; +$4,802 real movement |
| County peer setsMorris County | 4040 linked reports; 72,811 UFB on-roll | $23,638P10 $21,070; P90 $27,580 | +$36081% local / 13% state | <1% transfers; 0% school-based4% placement load; $20,869 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Harding Township$32,414; +$1,481 real movementMountain Lakes Boro$30,760; +$172 real movement |
| County peer setsSalem County | 1414 linked reports; 11,397 UFB on-roll | $23,377P10 $17,078; P90 $24,017 | +$40642% local / 51% state | 1% transfers; 6% school-based6% placement load; $8,282 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Salem Co Special Service$63,018; +$1,857 real movementElsinboro Twp$24,643; +$4,337 real movement |
| County peer setsOcean County | 2929 linked reports; 64,231 UFB on-roll | $22,807P10 $17,792; P90 $31,833 | -$14875% local / 22% state | 1% transfers; 3% school-based3% placement load; $17,265 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Long Beach Island$38,718; +$2,092 real movementBeach Haven Boro$34,223; -$4,692 real movement |
| County peer setsWarren County | 2424 linked reports; 15,846 UFB on-roll | $22,706P10 $19,159; P90 $26,086 | -$1,38262% local / 31% state | <1% transfers; 12% school-based12% placement load; $13,670 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Warren Co Special Service$50,000; -$5,004 real movementHarmony Twp$28,313; +$1,300 real movement |
| County peer setsPassaic County | 2121 linked reports; 84,356 UFB on-roll | $22,541P10 $19,881; P90 $26,207 | +$9541% local / 53% state | 9% transfers; 20% school-based8% placement load; $9,218 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Ringwood Boro$26,590; +$2,202 real movementPassaic Valley Regional$26,346; +$1,080 real movement |
| County peer setsBurlington County | 4141 linked reports; 71,003 UFB on-roll | $22,351P10 $17,951; P90 $24,630 | -$70962% local / 32% state | 1% transfers; 5% school-based4% placement load; $13,710 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Burlington Co Spec Serv$79,585; -$13,833 real movementWoodland Twp$31,174; +$8,317 real movement |
| County peer setsHudson County | 1313 linked reports; 87,520 UFB on-roll | $22,163P10 $19,532; P90 $24,034 | +$2,09349% local / 41% state | 9% transfers; 30% school-based7% placement load; $11,127 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Jersey City$28,117; +$7,142 real movementKearny Town$24,037; +$5,366 real movement |
| County peer setsEssex County | 2323 linked reports; 147,133 UFB on-roll | $21,916P10 $19,003; P90 $25,441 | +$7338% local / 57% state | 13% transfers; 21% school-based5% placement load; $9,097 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Newark City$26,841; +$2,718 real movementEssex Co Voc-Tech$26,804; +$2,160 real movement |
| County peer setsGloucester County | 2928 linked reports; 47,474 UFB on-roll | $21,539P10 $16,658; P90 $25,456 | +$23757% local / 37% state | <1% transfers; 0% school-based2% placement load; $11,534 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Gloucester Co Spec Serv$64,243; -$8 real movementGateway Regional$27,752; +$947 real movement |
| County peer setsCamden County | 3938 linked reports; 84,606 UFB on-roll | $21,495P10 $18,603; P90 $25,076 | +$76842% local / 49% state | 11% transfers; 5% school-based6% placement load; $9,549 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Woodlynne Boro$30,184; +$7,458 real movementCamden City$29,260; +$1,572 real movement |
| County peer setsMiddlesex County | 2525 linked reports; 128,054 UFB on-roll | $21,088P10 $18,873; P90 $23,787 | +$1,98259% local / 35% state | 2% transfers; 9% school-based2% placement load; $13,347 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Cranbury Twp$33,045; +$12,938 real movementNew Brunswick City$27,485; +$4,503 real movement |
| County peer setsCumberland County | 1413 linked reports; 27,565 UFB on-roll | $20,844P10 $18,688; P90 $23,562 | +$41217% local / 76% state | 2% transfers; 39% school-based9% placement load; $3,637 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Bridgeton City$25,903; +$5,061 real movementGreenwich-Stow Creek Regional$24,351; $0 real movement |
| County peer setsUnion County | 2323 linked reports; 100,474 UFB on-roll | $20,724P10 $17,559; P90 $23,451 | +$12947% local / 50% state | 3% transfers; 17% school-based5% placement load; $10,386 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Winfield Twp$27,803; +$861 real movementPlainfield City$27,019; +$5,854 real movement |
| Funding modelsAt least 75% state-funded | 2323 linked reports; 261,381 UFB on-roll | $23,110P10 $18,933; P90 $26,983 | +$1,41710% local / 85% state | 16% transfers; 40% school-based8% placement load; $2,328 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Camden City$29,260; +$1,572 real movementNew Brunswick City$27,485; +$4,503 real movement |
| Funding modelsAt least 75% locally funded | 332328 linked reports; 599,509 UFB on-roll | $24,866P10 $18,729; P90 $31,388 | -$41286% local / 9% state | 1% transfers; 1% school-based4% placement load; $20,574 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Bergen Co Special Service$103,100; -$16,625 real movementMercer Co Special Services School District$95,262; +$3,946 real movement |
| Funding modelsMixed local/state model | 240231 linked reports; 510,877 UFB on-roll | $21,877P10 $18,338; P90 $25,759 | +$1,05950% local / 41% state | 3% transfers; 7% school-based5% placement load; $11,779 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Roosevelt Boro$40,023; +$17,804 real movementLong Beach Island$38,718; +$2,092 real movement |
| Funding modelsTop-decile federal share | 3939 linked reports; 98,974 UFB on-roll | $27,525P10 $18,326; P90 $32,800 | -$42853% local / 41% state | 3% transfers; 17% school-based4% placement load; $11,368 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Bergen Co Special Service$103,100; -$16,625 real movementMercer Co Special Services School District$95,262; +$3,946 real movement |
| Funding modelsTop-decile other/fund-balance share | 6053 linked reports; 116,303 UFB on-roll | $24,132P10 $20,048; P90 $29,367 | +$1,75148% local / 35% state | 7% transfers; 16% school-based6% placement load; $12,624 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Long Beach Island$38,718; +$2,092 real movementAvon Boro$33,657; +$7,717 real movement |
| District scaleUnder 500 UFB on-roll | 151150 linked reports; 41,944 UFB on-roll | $27,060P10 $19,390; P90 $36,302 | +$62778% local / 15% state | <1% transfers; 0% school-based18% placement load; $21,067 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Mercer Co Special Services School District$95,262; +$3,946 real movementSalem Co Special Service$63,018; +$1,857 real movement |
| District scale500 to 1,999 UFB on-roll | 226225 linked reports; 245,585 UFB on-roll | $23,164P10 $18,363; P90 $26,780 | +$171% local / 22% state | <1% transfers; 1% school-based7% placement load; $17,219 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Bergen Co Special Service$103,100; -$16,625 real movementBurlington Co Spec Serv$79,585; -$13,833 real movement |
| District scale2,000 to 4,999 UFB on-roll | 134134 linked reports; 413,741 UFB on-roll | $21,648P10 $18,393; P90 $26,050 | +$4168% local / 26% state | 1% transfers; 4% school-based2% placement load; $15,999 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Asbury Park City$33,850; -$8,306 real movementLakewood Twp$32,375; +$9,818 real movement |
| District scale5,000 to 9,999 UFB on-roll | 4848 linked reports; 330,624 UFB on-roll | $21,305P10 $18,528; P90 $24,060 | +$48463% local / 31% state | 2% transfers; 8% school-based3% placement load; $15,089 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Atlantic City$29,276; +$4,464 real movementNew Brunswick City$27,485; +$4,503 real movement |
| District scale10,000+ UFB on-roll | 1919 linked reports; 339,873 UFB on-roll | $22,550P10 $18,121; P90 $27,239 | +$1,44228% local / 66% state | 15% transfers; 29% school-based6% placement load; $6,588 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Camden City$29,260; +$1,572 real movementJersey City$28,117; +$7,142 real movement |
| Cost positionTop decile comparative cost | 5757 linked reports; 53,964 UFB on-roll | $39,021P10 $29,480; P90 $58,146 | +$2,08857% local / 34% state | 12% transfers; 7% school-based8% placement load; $17,905 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Bergen Co Special Service$103,100; -$16,625 real movementMercer Co Special Services School District$95,262; +$3,946 real movement |
| Cost positionUpper-quarter cost, below top decile | 8584 linked reports; 230,499 UFB on-roll | $26,391P10 $25,120; P90 $28,074 | +$1,15447% local / 45% state | 11% transfers; 23% school-based7% placement load; $12,083 tax levy per UFB on-roll | West Cape May Boro$28,780; +$8,366 real movementCarlstadt Boro$28,675; +$5,565 real movement |
| Cost positionMiddle-half comparative cost | 282281 linked reports; 687,537 UFB on-roll | $22,185P10 $20,400; P90 $24,136 | +$15556% local / 38% state | 3% transfers; 11% school-based5% placement load; $13,685 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Little Silver Boro$24,803; +$3,823 real movementEast Amwell Twp$24,756; -$1,771 real movement |
| Cost positionBottom-quarter comparative cost | 142142 linked reports; 397,390 UFB on-roll | $18,511P10 $16,834; P90 $19,799 | -$82270% local / 25% state | 1% transfers; <1% school-based3% placement load; $14,477 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Saddle Brook Twp$20,083; -$383 real movementWinslow Twp$20,059; -$1,927 real movement |
| Cost positionBottom decile comparative cost | 5757 linked reports; 158,360 UFB on-roll | $17,342P10 $16,171; P90 $18,394 | -$1,36369% local / 26% state | 1% transfers; 1% school-based3% placement load; $13,532 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Harrison Town$18,509; -$1,354 real movementMount Laurel Twp$18,509; -$725 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsAt least 10% charter/Renaissance transfers | 1111 linked reports; 199,731 UFB on-roll | $25,450P10 $20,415; P90 $29,260 | +$10225% local / 68% state | 23% transfers; 34% school-based8% placement load; $5,903 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Asbury Park City$33,850; -$8,306 real movementCamden City$29,260; +$1,572 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsAt least 25% school-based budgeting | 3030 linked reports; 317,826 UFB on-roll | $23,927P10 $20,401; P90 $27,066 | +$56421% local / 73% state | 13% transfers; 43% school-based7% placement load; $4,745 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Asbury Park City$33,850; -$8,306 real movementJersey City$28,117; +$7,142 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsTop-decile benefits share | 5959 linked reports; 125,997 UFB on-roll | $27,695P10 $18,090; P90 $42,647 | -$94282% local / 13% state | <1% transfers; 0% school-based1% placement load; $17,442 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Bergen Co Special Service$103,100; -$16,625 real movementMercer Co Special Services School District$95,262; +$3,946 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsTop-decile transportation share | 6052 linked reports; 80,532 UFB on-roll | $21,929P10 $17,607; P90 $26,554 | -$59373% local / 23% state | 1% transfers; 2% school-based6% placement load; $17,856 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Harding Township$32,414; +$1,481 real movementLakewood Twp$32,375; +$9,818 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsTop-decile plant operations share | 5958 linked reports; 129,090 UFB on-roll | $25,720P10 $19,026; P90 $34,439 | +$26934% local / 60% state | 3% transfers; 24% school-based6% placement load; $7,171 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Cape May Co Special Serv$62,303; -$8,387 real movementNorth Wildwood City$55,374; +$10,767 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsTop-decile capital outlay scale | 5958 linked reports; 119,468 UFB on-roll | $23,926P10 $19,468; P90 $28,773 | +$1,70650% local / 36% state | 1% transfers; 1% school-based4% placement load; $13,107 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Spring Lake Boro$43,613; +$6,371 real movementLong Beach Island$38,718; +$2,092 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsAt least 5% budgeted placements | 171171 linked reports; 402,354 UFB on-roll | $24,582P10 $19,014; P90 $32,562 | +$1,58436% local / 56% state | 12% transfers; 24% school-based12% placement load; $9,411 tax levy per UFB on-roll | North Wildwood City$55,374; +$10,767 real movementWildwood Crest Boro$46,959; +$12,903 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsTop-decile special-revenue scale | 5959 linked reports; 84,858 UFB on-roll | $23,297P10 $18,308; P90 $28,461 | -$67347% local / 47% state | 3% transfers; 22% school-based6% placement load; $10,335 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Bergen Co Special Service$103,100; -$16,625 real movementAsbury Park City$33,850; -$8,306 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsTop-decile debt-service scale | 4141 linked reports; 76,389 UFB on-roll | $21,870P10 $17,039; P90 $28,709 | +$47882% local / 12% state | 1% transfers; 0% school-based3% placement load; $18,535 tax levy per UFB on-roll | Hanover Park Regional$30,192; +$3,323 real movementMonmouth Regional$29,835; +$951 real movement |
Movement by comparison group
Cost position and cost movement are different claims. This table asks which peer groups moved after inflation across loaded UFB years.
| Group | Rows | Comparative-cost movement | Operating per UFB on-roll | Funding shift | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| County peer setsHudson County | 1313 first-year rows; 13 latest rows | $22,163+$2,093 real comparative-cost movement | $25,278+$4,499 real operating per UFB on-roll | +14 pts local; -21 pts state+3 pts transfers; -4 pts school-based | East Newark Boro$20,916; +$8,784 real movementJersey City$28,117; +$7,142 real movement |
| County peer setsAtlantic County | 2626 first-year rows; 26 latest rows | $25,066+$146 real comparative-cost movement | $28,379+$3,025 real operating per UFB on-roll | -12 pts local; +5 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Brigantine City$41,613; +$8,251 real movementVentnor City$32,146; +$5,333 real movement |
| County peer setsSussex County | 2626 first-year rows; 26 latest rows | $23,908-$1,081 real comparative-cost movement | $26,100-$2,496 real operating per UFB on-roll | +4 pts local; -4 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Sandyston-Walpack Twp$32,538; +$4,802 real movementMontague Twp$24,861; +$3,178 real movement |
| County peer setsHunterdon County | 2727 first-year rows; 27 latest rows | $25,764-$1,385 real comparative-cost movement | $28,002-$2,436 real operating per UFB on-roll | +2 pts local; -2 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Milford Boro$36,095; +$9,983 real movementLebanon Boro$29,512; +$6,169 real movement |
| County peer setsSomerset County | 1919 first-year rows; 19 latest rows | $24,879+$1,445 real comparative-cost movement | $28,318+$2,168 real operating per UFB on-roll | -6 pts local; +5 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Manville Boro$25,845; +$7,582 real movementBound Brook Boro$22,150; +$4,723 real movement |
| County peer setsCumberland County | 1413 first-year rows; 14 latest rows | $20,844+$412 real comparative-cost movement | $23,645+$2,147 real operating per UFB on-roll | -2 pts local; +1 pt state0 pts transfers; -3 pts school-based | Bridgeton City$25,903; +$5,061 real movementLawrence Twp$19,846; +$3,319 real movement |
| County peer setsMiddlesex County | 2525 first-year rows; 25 latest rows | $21,088+$1,982 real comparative-cost movement | $24,711+$1,988 real operating per UFB on-roll | -7 pts local; +7 pts state0 pts transfers; -1 pt school-based | Cranbury Twp$33,045; +$12,938 real movementMilltown Boro$20,659; +$7,583 real movement |
| County peer setsMonmouth County | 5554 first-year rows; 55 latest rows | $25,606+$1,647 real comparative-cost movement | $26,732+$301 real operating per UFB on-roll | +6 pts local; -7 pts state0 pts transfers; -1 pt school-based | Roosevelt Boro$40,023; +$17,804 real movementDeal Boro$34,944; +$9,264 real movement |
| County peer setsPassaic County | 2121 first-year rows; 21 latest rows | $22,541+$95 real comparative-cost movement | $26,120+$1,553 real operating per UFB on-roll | -4 pts local; +4 pts state+4 pts transfers; -3 pts school-based | Clifton City$21,147; +$3,977 real movementPaterson City$24,142; +$3,489 real movement |
| County peer setsUnion County | 2323 first-year rows; 23 latest rows | $20,724+$129 real comparative-cost movement | $25,168+$1,426 real operating per UFB on-roll | -9 pts local; +9 pts state+1 pt transfers; -1 pt school-based | Plainfield City$27,019; +$5,854 real movementRoselle Park Boro$23,451; +$3,182 real movement |
| County peer setsWarren County | 2424 first-year rows; 24 latest rows | $22,706-$1,382 real comparative-cost movement | $25,757-$724 real operating per UFB on-roll | -2 pts local; 0 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Greenwich Twp$21,643; +$4,043 real movementLopatcong Twp$21,298; +$3,875 real movement |
| County peer setsCamden County | 3939 first-year rows; 39 latest rows | $21,495+$768 real comparative-cost movement | $25,512+$1,228 real operating per UFB on-roll | -5 pts local; +2 pts state+1 pt transfers; -1 pt school-based | Lawnside Boro$27,627; +$9,055 real movementWoodlynne Boro$30,184; +$7,458 real movement |
| County peer setsCape May County | 1919 first-year rows; 19 latest rows | $30,573+$670 real comparative-cost movement | $28,395-$1,024 real operating per UFB on-roll | +5 pts local; -7 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Wildwood Crest Boro$46,959; +$12,903 real movementNorth Wildwood City$55,374; +$10,767 real movement |
| County peer setsOcean County | 2929 first-year rows; 29 latest rows | $22,807-$148 real comparative-cost movement | $24,890+$923 real operating per UFB on-roll | +5 pts local; -5 pts state+1 pt transfers; +1 pt school-based | Lakewood Twp$32,375; +$9,818 real movementSeaside Heights Boro$31,601; +$5,598 real movement |
| County peer setsSalem County | 1414 first-year rows; 14 latest rows | $23,377+$406 real comparative-cost movement | $24,383+$813 real operating per UFB on-roll | -8 pts local; +5 pts state0 pts transfers; -1 pt school-based | Salem County Vocational$22,556; +$5,247 real movementElsinboro Twp$24,643; +$4,337 real movement |
| County peer setsEssex County | 2323 first-year rows; 23 latest rows | $21,916+$73 real comparative-cost movement | $25,027+$775 real operating per UFB on-roll | -8 pts local; +7 pts state+2 pts transfers; -1 pt school-based | Newark City$26,841; +$2,718 real movementEssex Co Voc-Tech$26,804; +$2,160 real movement |
| County peer setsBergen County | 7777 first-year rows; 77 latest rows | $24,524+$64 real comparative-cost movement | $27,859+$769 real operating per UFB on-roll | -6 pts local; +5 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Saddle River Boro$42,505; +$11,581 real movementFairview Boro$20,598; +$9,534 real movement |
| County peer setsBurlington County | 4141 first-year rows; 41 latest rows | $22,351-$709 real comparative-cost movement | $24,139-$427 real operating per UFB on-roll | -3 pts local; +2 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Woodland Twp$31,174; +$8,317 real movementMaple Shade Twp$24,533; +$4,988 real movement |
| County peer setsMorris County | 4040 first-year rows; 40 latest rows | $23,638+$360 real comparative-cost movement | $27,841+$604 real operating per UFB on-roll | -4 pts local; +2 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Dover Town$23,288; +$8,470 real movementRiverdale Boro$28,010; +$7,185 real movement |
| County peer setsMercer County | 1111 first-year rows; 11 latest rows | $28,786+$522 real comparative-cost movement | $26,051+$511 real operating per UFB on-roll | -8 pts local; +8 pts state+1 pt transfers; +1 pt school-based | Mercer Co Special Services School District$95,262; +$3,946 real movementRobbinsville Twp$18,252; +$1,806 real movement |
| County peer setsGloucester County | 2929 first-year rows; 29 latest rows | $21,539+$237 real comparative-cost movement | $22,548-$404 real operating per UFB on-roll | -3 pts local; +2 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Paulsboro Boro$25,864; +$6,611 real movementWestville Boro$23,478; +$6,468 real movement |
| Funding modelsTop-decile other/fund-balance share | 6059 first-year rows; 60 latest rows | $24,132+$1,751 real comparative-cost movement | $29,311+$4,741 real operating per UFB on-roll | 0 pts local; -11 pts state+2 pts transfers; -2 pts school-based | Lawnside Boro$27,627; +$9,055 real movementAvon Boro$33,657; +$7,717 real movement |
| Funding modelsAt least 75% state-funded | 2323 first-year rows; 23 latest rows | $23,110+$1,417 real comparative-cost movement | $25,455+$2,264 real operating per UFB on-roll | -2 pts local; +3 pts state+3 pts transfers; -4 pts school-based | Plainfield City$27,019; +$5,854 real movementBridgeton City$25,903; +$5,061 real movement |
| Funding modelsMixed local/state model | 240239 first-year rows; 240 latest rows | $21,877+$1,059 real comparative-cost movement | $25,429+$2,212 real operating per UFB on-roll | -6 pts local; +3 pts state+1 pt transfers; -1 pt school-based | Roosevelt Boro$40,023; +$17,804 real movementLakewood Twp$32,375; +$9,818 real movement |
| Funding modelsTop-decile federal share | 3939 first-year rows; 39 latest rows | $27,525-$428 real comparative-cost movement | $24,650+$437 real operating per UFB on-roll | +1 pt local; -2 pts state+1 pt transfers; -2 pts school-based | Freehold Boro$25,045; +$6,419 real movementSeaside Heights Boro$31,601; +$5,598 real movement |
| Funding modelsAt least 75% locally funded | 332331 first-year rows; 332 latest rows | $24,866-$412 real comparative-cost movement | $26,383-$249 real operating per UFB on-roll | 0 pts local; -1 pt state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Cranbury Twp$33,045; +$12,938 real movementWildwood Crest Boro$46,959; +$12,903 real movement |
| District scale10,000+ UFB on-roll | 1919 first-year rows; 19 latest rows | $22,550+$1,442 real comparative-cost movement | $24,821+$2,660 real operating per UFB on-roll | 0 pts local; -1 pt state+3 pts transfers; -4 pts school-based | Jersey City$28,117; +$7,142 real movementPlainfield City$27,019; +$5,854 real movement |
| District scale5,000 to 9,999 UFB on-roll | 4848 first-year rows; 48 latest rows | $21,305+$484 real comparative-cost movement | $24,418+$874 real operating per UFB on-roll | -4 pts local; +3 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Kearny Town$24,037; +$5,366 real movementBridgeton City$25,903; +$5,061 real movement |
| District scaleUnder 500 UFB on-roll | 151150 first-year rows; 151 latest rows | $27,060+$627 real comparative-cost movement | $42,243-$179 real operating per UFB on-roll | -1 pt local; 0 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Roosevelt Boro$40,023; +$17,804 real movementCranbury Twp$33,045; +$12,938 real movement |
| District scale2,000 to 4,999 UFB on-roll | 134134 first-year rows; 134 latest rows | $21,648+$41 real comparative-cost movement | $25,019+$476 real operating per UFB on-roll | -5 pts local; +3 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Lakewood Twp$32,375; +$9,818 real movementDover Town$23,288; +$8,470 real movement |
| District scale500 to 1,999 UFB on-roll | 226225 first-year rows; 226 latest rows | $23,164+$1 real comparative-cost movement | $27,476+$450 real operating per UFB on-roll | -4 pts local; +2 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Fairview Boro$20,598; +$9,534 real movementEdgewater Boro$23,402; +$9,292 real movement |
| Cost positionTop decile comparative cost | 5757 first-year rows; 57 latest rows | $39,021+$2,088 real comparative-cost movement | $40,422+$5,775 real operating per UFB on-roll | -7 pts local; +3 pts state+2 pts transfers; -1 pt school-based | Roosevelt Boro$40,023; +$17,804 real movementCranbury Twp$33,045; +$12,938 real movement |
| Cost positionUpper-quarter cost, below top decile | 8584 first-year rows; 85 latest rows | $26,391+$1,154 real comparative-cost movement | $28,848+$3,267 real operating per UFB on-roll | 0 pts local; -3 pts state+2 pts transfers; -1 pt school-based | Lawnside Boro$27,627; +$9,055 real movementWest Cape May Boro$28,780; +$8,366 real movement |
| Cost positionBottom decile comparative cost | 5757 first-year rows; 57 latest rows | $17,342-$1,363 real comparative-cost movement | $20,773-$691 real operating per UFB on-roll | -2 pts local; +1 pt state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Westampton$18,498; +$1,905 real movementRobbinsville Twp$18,252; +$1,806 real movement |
| Cost positionMiddle-half comparative cost | 282281 first-year rows; 282 latest rows | $22,185+$155 real comparative-cost movement | $25,263+$930 real operating per UFB on-roll | -6 pts local; +5 pts state+1 pt transfers; -1 pt school-based | Fairview Boro$20,598; +$9,534 real movementEdgewater Boro$23,402; +$9,292 real movement |
| Cost positionBottom-quarter comparative cost | 142142 first-year rows; 142 latest rows | $18,511-$822 real comparative-cost movement | $21,678-$440 real operating per UFB on-roll | -2 pts local; +1 pt state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Lawrence Twp$19,846; +$3,319 real movementFlorence Twp$19,982; +$3,013 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsTop-decile capital outlay scale | 5958 first-year rows; 59 latest rows | $23,926+$1,706 real comparative-cost movement | $28,885+$3,742 real operating per UFB on-roll | -15 pts local; +8 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Fairview Boro$20,598; +$9,534 real movementDover Town$23,288; +$8,470 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsAt least 10% charter/Renaissance transfers | 1111 first-year rows; 11 latest rows | $25,450+$102 real comparative-cost movement | $26,229+$3,248 real operating per UFB on-roll | +6 pts local; -9 pts state+4 pts transfers; -6 pts school-based | Jersey City$28,117; +$7,142 real movementPlainfield City$27,019; +$5,854 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsAt least 5% budgeted placements | 171171 first-year rows; 171 latest rows | $24,582+$1,584 real comparative-cost movement | $27,496+$2,914 real operating per UFB on-roll | -2 pts local; -1 pt state+3 pts transfers; -2 pts school-based | Roosevelt Boro$40,023; +$17,804 real movementCranbury Twp$33,045; +$12,938 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsTop-decile transportation share | 6060 first-year rows; 60 latest rows | $21,929-$593 real comparative-cost movement | $34,828+$2,882 real operating per UFB on-roll | +2 pts local; -2 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Lakewood Twp$32,375; +$9,818 real movementVentnor City$32,146; +$5,333 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsAt least 25% school-based budgeting | 3030 first-year rows; 30 latest rows | $23,927+$564 real comparative-cost movement | $25,646+$2,737 real operating per UFB on-roll | +4 pts local; -5 pts state+3 pts transfers; -5 pts school-based | Jersey City$28,117; +$7,142 real movementPlainfield City$27,019; +$5,854 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsTop-decile benefits share | 5959 first-year rows; 59 latest rows | $27,695-$942 real comparative-cost movement | $23,799-$1,167 real operating per UFB on-roll | +2 pts local; -2 pts state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Seaside Heights Boro$31,601; +$5,598 real movementMercer Co Special Services School District$95,262; +$3,946 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsTop-decile plant operations share | 5958 first-year rows; 59 latest rows | $25,720+$269 real comparative-cost movement | $25,507+$751 real operating per UFB on-roll | -6 pts local; +5 pts state+1 pt transfers; -2 pts school-based | Roosevelt Boro$40,023; +$17,804 real movementNorth Wildwood City$55,374; +$10,767 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsTop-decile special-revenue scale | 5959 first-year rows; 59 latest rows | $23,297-$673 real comparative-cost movement | $25,244+$213 real operating per UFB on-roll | +2 pts local; -2 pts state+1 pt transfers; -1 pt school-based | Lakewood Twp$32,375; +$9,818 real movementEast Newark Boro$20,916; +$8,784 real movement |
| Spending and student-load signalsTop-decile debt-service scale | 4141 first-year rows; 41 latest rows | $21,870+$478 real comparative-cost movement | $23,347-$275 real operating per UFB on-roll | -3 pts local; +1 pt state0 pts transfers; 0 pts school-based | Riverdale Boro$28,010; +$7,185 real movementCarlstadt Boro$28,675; +$5,565 real movement |
Metric spread checks
Before quoting a category signal, check the statewide spread and examples. A top-decile transportation, benefits, debt, placement, or tax signal can be a better comparison frame than overall cost rank.
| Metric | Statewide / median | Spread | Largest examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published comparative cost per pupilNJDOE comparative-cost line; unweighted district distribution. | $23,591median $22,025 | $18,521 to $28,852max $103,100; 566 districts | Bergen Co Special Service$103,100Mercer Co Special Services School District$95,262 |
| Real change since first loaded UFB yearCPI-U adjusted comparative-cost movement in 2025 dollars. | +$255median +$180 | -$2,997 to +$3,983max +$17,804; 566 districts | Roosevelt Boro+$17,804Cranbury Twp+$12,938 |
| Local operating revenueShare of proposed operating budget. | 59%median 79% | 32% to 90%max 100%; 595 districts | Burlington Co Spec Serv100%Camden Co Ed Serv Comm100% |
| State operating revenueShare of proposed operating budget. | 35%median 12% | 5% to 58%max 91%; 595 districts | City of Orange Twp91%Trenton Public School District91% |
| Federal operating revenueShare of proposed operating budget. | <1%median <1% | 0% to <1%max 26%; 595 districts | North Hanover Twp26%Cape May City13% |
| Other and fund-balance operating revenueShare of proposed operating budget. | 6%median 6% | 1% to 14%max 80%; 595 districts | Loch Arbour School District80%Longport43% |
| General current expenseHigh-level General Fund appropriation share of proposed operating budget. | 82%median 98% | 87% to 100%max 100%; 595 districts | Allenhurst100%Bass River Twp100% |
| Charter/Renaissance transfersHigh-level transfer rows as share of proposed operating budget. | 4%median <1% | 0% to 2%max 54%; 595 districts | Camden City54%Newark City26% |
| School-based budgeting contributionSchool-based budgeting contribution row as share of proposed operating budget. | 10%median 0% | 0% to 0%max 61%; 595 districts | Harrison Town61%Perth Amboy City55% |
| Employee benefitsNamed appropriation row as share of proposed operating budget; can overlap with other rows. | 16%median 18% | 10% to 22%max 31%; 595 districts | Salem Co Special Service31%Burlington Co Spec Serv31% |
| TransportationNamed appropriation row as share of proposed operating budget; can overlap with other rows. | 7%median 5% | 2% to 9%max 96%; 595 districts | Educ Serv Comm Morris Co96%Camden Co Ed Serv Comm92% |
| Plant operationsNamed appropriation row as share of proposed operating budget; can overlap with other rows. | 9%median 9% | 6% to 12%max 20%; 595 districts | Middlesex Co Vocational20%Salem City18% |
| Special revenue fund scaleOutside-operating fund row divided by proposed operating budget as a scale reference. | 7%median 5% | 1% to 14%max 63%; 595 districts | Hunterdon Co Ed Ser Comm63%Lakewood Twp36% |
| Debt service fund scaleOutside-operating fund row divided by proposed operating budget as a scale reference. | 2%median 2% | 0% to 7%max 23%; 595 districts | Hunterdon Co Ed Ser Comm23%Chesterfield Twp16% |
| Budgeted out-of-district placementsPlacement rows divided by UFB on-roll planning enrollment. | 5%median 2% | <1% to 34%max 162%; 578 districts | Saddle River Boro162%Oaklyn Boro80% |
| Special education on-rollSpecial-education UFB on-roll rows divided by UFB on-roll planning enrollment. | 16%median 16% | 11% to 21%max 116%; 578 districts | Essex Co Voc-Tech116%Ocean County Vocational105% |
| Tax levy per UFB on-rollTax levy divided by UFB on-roll planning enrollment. | $13,812median $17,783 | $7,084 to $28,353max $77,193; 566 districts | Saddle River Boro$77,193North Wildwood City$48,842 |
What this atlas cannot prove
- Comparative cost is NJDOE's published line. This atlas does not recompute it from operating budget or enrollment.
- County peers are useful but not always fair. Special-service, vocational, regional, small, transfer-heavy, and placement-heavy districts may need a model or service-load frame.
- Real movement uses CPI-U and 2025 dollars across loaded UFB years. It is a reporting screen, not an audited cohort study.
- Revenue mix is General Fund operating revenue. It is not all-funds revenue or audited financial-statement revenue.
- Category signals can be nested or outside the operating fund. Treat them as comparison clues, not additive totals.
- District examples identify where to start reporting. Local contracts, enrollment, placements, grants, tax base, and board documents still need checking.