Bill > S4312

This bill modifies the method of allocating State aid for providing auxiliary and remedial services to nonpublic school students in New Jersey. The bill updates two existing laws (P.L.1977, c.193 and P.L.1977, c.192) that provide services to nonpublic school students, including students with disabilities, students with limited English proficiency, and those needing compensatory education. The key changes include establishing a new reimbursement process where school districts can apply for State aid on a quarterly basis, with the Commissioner of Education determining maximum per-service aid amounts by dividing the annual appropriation by the average number of documented services delivered in the prior three school years. The bill requires the commissioner to conduct a survey every three years to calculate service costs, ensure that annual appropriations are fully expended, and equitably distributed among school districts. Additionally, the commissioner is authorized to establish limits on service duration and frequency to maximize student access and ensure funds are available throughout the school year. The bill aims to maintain the quality of services for nonpublic school students while improving the efficiency and sustainability of the funding mechanism, with implementation set to begin in the first full school year following its enactment.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4312