The state education commissioner testified before the Assembly budget committee Thursday and said New Jersey is getting closer to a better formula for school funding.

Parents and students from Freehold Borough were at the budget hearing to learn what is being done to help their school district. One parent feels since the town isn?t rich enough or poor enough, it seems to slip through the cracks when it comes to school funding. The low funding has put the district in jeopardy of cutting after-school arts and sports programs.

However, according to NJ Education Commissioner Lucille Davy, the state is working on a new school funding formula that is supposed to distribute money based more on need instead of labels.

?Many districts across the state have significant numbers of at-risk students and they need and deserve assistance to help them provide a thorough and efficient education to those children too,? Davy said.

Governor Jon Corzine (D-NJ) wants a new formula in place by the 2008-2009 school year. Many lawmakers say they want a formula that holds up beyond the deadline. Davy hopes to have the new formula ready by January.

For extended footage of the budget hearing, go to channel 612 of your iO digital cable box and select iO extra.