In a bold move that has sparked a wave of controversy across New Jersey, a group of teachers has filed a lawsuit against the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA).
They are accusing the state’s largest teachers’ union of squandering significant resources on the recent New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial primary. At the center of the dispute is NJEA President and Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, who, according to the lawsuit, allocated over $40 million in union funds to support candidates during the contentious June 2025 primary.
The teachers claim that this lavish spending, which was reportedly funneled into political campaigns rather than the classroom, represents a misuse of union dues that should have been used to improve educational opportunities for students and support teachers. The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of New Jersey educators, argues that the union’s actions not only undermine the interests of the very people it is meant to represent but also risk eroding public trust in both the NJEA and its leadership.
NJEA’s Primary Election Spending Under Scrutiny
The focus of the legal challenge centers around the NJEA’s involvement in the June 2025 Democratic primary. The union has long held substantial influence over the state’s political landscape, particularly within the Democratic Party. Historically, NJEA has been a key player in backing candidates who align with its priorities on public education and teacher rights. However, the sheer scale of the $40 million spent during the primary has raised eyebrows, with critics accusing Spiller and the NJEA of prioritizing political ambitions over the educational needs of New Jersey’s public schools.
The primary election itself was fiercely contested, with various Democratic candidates vying for the gubernatorial nomination. The NJEA’s involvement was seen as crucial in shaping the race, but the lawsuit alleges that such a massive expenditure diverted funds from more pressing matters, such as increasing teacher salaries, reducing class sizes, and investing in educational resources that would directly benefit New Jersey’s students and educators.
A Divided Union: Teachers Question Leadership Decisions
While the NJEA’s political activities have often garnered support from a significant portion of its membership, the recent lawsuit highlights a growing divide within the union. Some teachers have expressed frustration that union leadership, under Spiller’s guidance, has become increasingly entangled in partisan politics, focusing more on political contributions and candidate endorsements than on the day-to-day issues teachers face in the classroom.
In their court filing, the teachers argue that the NJEA should prioritize its members’ interests rather than lavishly funding political campaigns. They claim that the union’s resources would be better spent on initiatives that directly benefit educators, such as better healthcare coverage, improved pension benefits, and investments in professional development.
“Teachers need support in their classrooms, not political campaigns,” said one of the plaintiffs, a high school teacher from Camden County. “We’re the ones who are struggling with overcrowded classrooms, outdated textbooks, and a lack of essential resources. Meanwhile, the union is using our dues to back political candidates who may not even align with the core issues affecting public education.”
The Role of Sean Spiller and NJEA’s Political Influence
As both the president of the NJEA and the mayor of Montclair, Sean Spiller holds a prominent role in the state’s political and educational spheres. His dual influence, critics argue, may have led to a blurring of lines between his political ambitions and the financial responsibilities of the NJEA. While the union has long had a reputation for backing Democratic candidates, the scale of the spending in the primary has left many teachers questioning the union’s priorities under Spiller’s leadership.
The lawsuit does not only address the funds spent on the gubernatorial race but also raises concerns about the lack of transparency in how decisions were made regarding political endorsements and financial allocations. Teachers involved in the lawsuit claim that they were not consulted on these decisions, and many feel that their union dues should not have been used to support specific candidates or political causes without broader input from the membership.
Critics have also pointed to a perceived shift in NJEA’s focus, which once prioritized lobbying for public school funding and teacher compensation, but now appears more centered on influencing state politics at the highest levels. The lawsuit reflects a growing concern that this shift is detracting from the union’s core mission of advocating for educators and students alike.
Political Spending and the Future of New Jersey Education
The lawsuit has already made waves throughout New Jersey, with many local communities weighing in on the ongoing debate about political spending in unions. Some are in support of the teachers’ legal challenge, arguing that union funds should be reserved for advocacy that directly impacts education, rather than supporting political candidates and campaigns. Others, however, believe that political engagement is necessary for advancing educational policies at the state level and that the NJEA’s political activity is a crucial part of its mission.
As the case moves forward, it will likely raise broader questions about the role of political spending in union activities and whether such expenditures undermine the union’s original mission to improve public education. Teachers, many of whom have been key supporters of the NJEA’s political clout in the past, are now questioning whether that influence is being used in their best interests.
What’s Next for the NJEA and New Jersey Teachers?
As the legal battle continues to unfold, many are left wondering how this lawsuit will affect the future of the NJEA and its relationship with the teachers it represents. Will this challenge prompt a shift in how unions allocate resources, or will it lead to more division within the organization? One thing is clear: this case highlights the growing tension between the union’s political power and its responsibility to its members.
For teachers, the outcome of this lawsuit could have a lasting impact on the way they view their union and its role in shaping state politics. Regardless of the outcome, the case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that unions must maintain between political involvement and the day-to-day needs of their members.
If you are interested in learning more about the political landscape in New Jersey, you can explore the full range of issues surrounding state politics at Explore New Jersey Politics.
As the case progresses, it is expected that more educators will weigh in on the issue, either supporting the lawsuit or defending the NJEA’s right to engage politically. Whatever the outcome, this legal challenge has opened up important discussions about the intersection of politics, unions, and education in New Jersey.
