Darren Blough, Autism New Jersey’s Director of Public Policy and Clinical Partnerships, has been appointed to the New Jersey School Funding Steering Committee. He attended its first meeting on September 25, 2026.
The committee is part of the Sherrill Administration’s effort to review New Jersey’s school funding system and identify improvements. Led by New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) Commissioner Dr. Lily Laux and supported by The Hunt Institute, the committee brings together representatives from education, advocacy, government, and community organizations.
At its first meeting, members focused on understanding New Jersey’s current funding system and national approaches to school funding, shared perspectives on student needs and outcomes, and discussed potential goals for a modern funding system. NJDOE plans to publish meeting summaries on its School Funding Outreach website.
In her remarks, Commissioner Laux emphasized that the process begins with students’ needs and opportunities, rather than a predetermined plan. The review will examine interconnected issues, including special education, transportation, preschool, enrollment, and the roles of local and state funding.
For Autism New Jersey, this work provides an opportunity to bring the educational needs of autistic students and their families into the discussion. Of particular importance is how funding accounts for students who require intensive, individualized services, including those with profound autism and severe challenging behavior.
Learn More and Get Involved
NJDOE is gathering public input through regional and virtual forums and community roundtables. These opportunities allow families, professionals, and community members to share their experiences and perspectives. Information about participation and registration is available in NJDOE’s October 1 School Funding Outreach bulletin.
The bulletin also offers resources to help the public understand school funding and the review process, including videos, a written project overview, and downloadable summaries. Section 4 of the bulletin brings these resources together with opportunities to provide feedback and sign up for ongoing updates.
Autism New Jersey will share updates as the committee’s work progresses.