Bill > S4021

This bill modernizes the responsibilities of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges by expanding and clarifying its role in supporting and coordinating county colleges across the state. The bill changes the council's responsibilities from permissive ("may") to mandatory ("shall"), requiring it to submit an annual budget request to state leadership, develop a performance-based funding formula for county colleges, and create a strategic plan aligned with state educational and economic priorities. The council will now serve as a more active advisory body to state agencies, focusing on improving student success, academic innovations, professional development, and collaboration among county colleges. Key new responsibilities include developing a statewide general education framework, supporting dual enrollment and credit for prior learning opportunities, operating a joint purchasing consortium to increase efficiency, building partnerships with employers and educational institutions, and providing annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on workforce and educational priorities. The bill aims to enhance the council's role in promoting equity, opportunity, and alignment between county college education and state economic needs, transforming it from a passive advisory group to a more dynamic coordinating and strategic organization.

Education

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4021