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Bill > S2607


NJ S2607

NJ S2607
Requires Commissioner of Education to establish matching grant program for certain school districts and schools using federal funds to increase instructional time and accelerate learning.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to establish a matching grant program to support school districts that use a portion of their eligible funds to increase student instructional time and accelerate student learning. Eligible funds as defined in the bill are moneys under a school district, charter school, or renaissance school project's local educational agency subgrant from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act ESSER Fund, excluding any amount required by the provisions of the ARP Act to be spent on evidence-based learning loss interventions. A district or school would be eligible to apply for funds under the grant program only if the percentage of students in the district or school who are not meeting or partially meeting grade-level expectation increased compared to the 2018-2019 school year. The aggregate amount of funds provided to school districts, charter schools, or renaissance school projects under the bill would not exceed $200 million. Under the bill, the program would be funded from the monies received by the State under the federal ARP Act. A school district, charter school, or renaissance school project seeking funds under the program is required to submit an application to the commissioner that is to include certain information enumerated in the bill. If the commissioner approves the application, the school district will receive a matching grant equal to 50 percent of the amount of the district's local educational agency federal allotment under the ARP Act that is dedicated to the intervention or program to increase student instructional time and accelerate student learning which has been specified in its application.

AI Summary

This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to establish a matching grant program, funded by federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act money, to help school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects increase student instructional time and accelerate learning, particularly for students who are not meeting grade-level expectations. Eligible funds for this program are from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER Fund) provided by the ARP Act, but exclude funds already mandated for learning loss interventions. To qualify for a grant, a school or district must demonstrate an increase in students not meeting or partially meeting grade-level expectations compared to the 2018-2019 school year. Approved applicants will receive a grant equal to 50% of the funds they dedicate to specific interventions, such as before/after-school programs, summer academies, tutoring, or hiring additional staff, with a total program cap of $200 million.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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