Bergen County District Ranks Second in State for Per-Student Spending at Over $41,000

Saddle River School District spent $41,165 per student. That puts them second among all individual town districts in New Jersey. The state's 2025 Taxpayer's Guide to Education Spending came out this week. North Wildwood City in Cape May County spent the most at $47,001 per student.

Countywide special services districts spent the most overall. These programs serve students with special needs. The guide offers "a straightforward, transparent look at how districts are investing their resources," said Kevin Dehmer, the state Commissioner of Education, according to Patch.

The K-6 district serves students in the small Bergen County town. High schoolers can attend Ramsey High School or Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale. Ramsey schools educate their middle schoolers, and the district pays for that service.

Saddle River's district boasts small class sizes. They give students a "private school-like educational setting."

School costs include payments for staff pensions, legal fees, transportation, and food. Property costs and maintenance add up too. Staff salaries matter, along with payments to other districts for services.

The state database appeared on Patch Wednesday. It shows spending amounts and rankings for all New Jersey school districts. North Wildwood City runs a K-8 district.

These spending figures come from an annual guide. It tracks how districts use their resources across the state, giving taxpayers information about education spending in their local communities.