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Bill > A5909
NJ A5909
NJ A5909Establishes one-time grant program to support implementation of free, full-day kindergarten programs in certain school districts; appropriates $5 million.
summary
Introduced
07/24/2025
07/24/2025
In Committee
07/24/2025
07/24/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill directs the Commissioner of Education to establish a one-time grant program to support the implementation of free, full-day kindergarten programs in school districts that do not currently offer the programs. The most recent information for the 2024-2025 school year indicates there are 10 school districts that do not offer free, full-day kindergarten: Moorestown Township Public School District; Haddonfield School District; Metuchen Public School District; Monroe Township School District; Millstone Township School District; School District Of The Chathams; Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District; Hillsborough Township Public School District; Cranford Public School District; and Westfield Public School District. The bill requires school districts to submit an application to the commissioner that includes a plan on how the district will implement free, full-day kindergarten and the costs associated with doing so. The bill appropriates $5 million for the grant program, and the grants would be evenly distributed to the eligible districts.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a one-time grant program designed to support the implementation of free, full-day kindergarten in 10 specific New Jersey school districts that currently do not offer such programs. The Commissioner of Education will administer the program, with participating districts required to submit an application detailing their plan for implementing full-day kindergarten and estimating associated costs. The named districts include Moorestown Township, Haddonfield, Metuchen, Monroe Township, Millstone Township, the Chathams, Bridgewater-Raritan, Hillsborough Township, Cranford, and Westfield Public School Districts. The bill appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to the Department of Education, with grants to be evenly distributed among the eligible districts after the commissioner approves their individual implementation plans. The purpose of the bill is to help these districts expand their kindergarten programs to provide full-day, free kindergarten to their students, potentially improving early childhood education accessibility and quality in these communities.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 07/24/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5909 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6000/5909_I1.HTM |
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