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Bill > A1654
NJ A1654
NJ A1654Requires certain ratios of school library media specialists to students in public schools.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes minimum ratios of school library media specialists to students required in school districts. The ratios are:· in each public school having an enrollment of less than 300 students on October 15 of the prior school year, the board of education is required to employ, at a minimum, one half-time staff member who holds an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement;· in each public school having an enrollment of between 300 and 1,499 students on October 15 of the prior school year, the board of education is required to employ, at a minimum, one full-time staff member who holds an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement; and· in each public school having an enrollment of 1,500 or more students on October 15 of the prior school year, the board of education is required to employ, at a minimum, two full-time staff members who hold an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement. The bill specifies how much time in each school day the school library media specialist is required to devote to school library work in public secondary schools, which is dependent upon the enrollment in the school. The bill also requires a public school having an enrollment of 500 or more students on October 15 of the prior school year to employ a minimum of one full-time staff member to serve as a library clerk, and to employ one additional full-time staff member to serve as a library clerk for each additional 500 students enrolled in the school. In order to be college- and career-ready in the twenty-first century, students must be able to use a wide range of information resources including books, media, technology, and the Internet. All students must be able to locate, evaluate, and interpret information accurately for academic and professional success. A qualified school library media specialist is uniquely suited through educational training and professional development to provide this educational foundation for all students. Many states currently require school library media specialists in their schools and most use student enrollment to determine the number of school library media specialists the schools employ.
AI Summary
This bill mandates specific staffing ratios for school library media specialists in public schools based on student enrollment, requiring at least one half-time specialist for schools with under 300 students, one full-time specialist for schools with 300 to 1,499 students, and two full-time specialists for schools with 1,500 or more students, all of whom must hold an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement. Additionally, for schools with 500 or more students, the bill requires at least one full-time library clerk, with an additional full-time clerk for every 500 students thereafter, and it also specifies the amount of time a school library media specialist must dedicate to "school library work" – which includes teaching information literacy, managing library programs, and instructing students on using various information resources – in secondary schools, with the required time increasing with student enrollment. The bill allows for waivers of these staffing requirements for up to one year if a school can demonstrate it was unable to hire a certified specialist despite making an offer, though no more than two such waivers can be granted within a five-year period, and these provisions will take effect immediately but apply to the first full school year after enactment.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/A1654 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1654_I1.HTM |
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