Bill > A4854

This bill modifies the method of allocating State aid for providing auxiliary and remedial services to nonpublic school students. The bill changes how the State reimburses school districts for services provided to students in nonpublic schools, including special education, speech correction, supplementary instruction, and auxiliary services for students with limited English proficiency. Key changes include establishing a new quarterly reimbursement process where the Commissioner of Education will determine maximum per-service aid amounts by dividing the annual appropriation by the average number of documented services delivered in the previous three school years. The bill aims to ensure that the full annual appropriation is expended to support nonpublic school students, with the commissioner required to conduct a survey every three years to calculate service costs and inform future appropriations. The legislation also allows the commissioner to set limits on the duration and frequency of services to maximize the number of students served and ensure equitable distribution of funds throughout the school year. Additionally, the bill gives the commissioner authority to withhold administrative funds from districts that do not properly or efficiently administer the allocated funds or fail to apply for reimbursement in a timely manner.

Budget and Finance, Education, Government Affairs

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