New Jersey Education Secretary, Julie Sherrill, has proposed a record $10 billion in education funding for the state. She also plans to encourage consolidation and more shared services in schools. Sherrill stated that her proposed budget will fully fund the school funding formula, which has been criticized by other entities due to fluctuating state aid levels. She emphasized the benefits of shared services for special education, transportation, books, and software. School consolidation has been controversial in New Jersey, where residents have direct say in the schools. The New Jersey Business and Industry Association supports mandatory consolidations, citing the potential savings from administrative costs.