Bill > A4854

This bill modifies the method of allocating State aid for providing auxiliary and remedial services to nonpublic school students in New Jersey. The bill aims to ensure that annual appropriations for these services are fully expended each year and that the maximum per service aid amounts are calculated to maintain service quality and program sustainability. Specifically, the bill changes how the State Commissioner of Education determines and distributes aid to school districts for services like examination, classification, speech correction, and supplementary instruction for nonpublic school students. The funding allocation will now be based on dividing the annual appropriation by the average number of documented services delivered in the prior three school years. The bill introduces a new quarterly reimbursement process for school districts, with the commissioner establishing maximum per service aid amounts and potentially setting limits on service duration and frequency. School districts will be able to apply for reimbursement beginning September 1, and the goal is to ensure that appropriated funds are equitably distributed and fully used throughout the school year. The bill also includes provisions for data collection, reporting, and potential withholding of administrative aid if districts do not follow established guidelines.

Budget and Finance, Education, Government Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A4854