This bill creates a permanent "Support for Students Exposed to Domestic Violence Fund" within New Jersey's Department of Education. The fund provides financial support to public schools for three specific purposes: (1) school-based therapy and trauma-informed mental health services for students impacted by domestic violence, (2) identifying resources to address unmet needs of these students, and (3) funding staff training and employment for mental health personnel. The Department of Education will administer the fund, allocate money to schools based on its own methodology, and require schools to report how funds are used. This policy directly affects public schools and students exposed to domestic violence across New Jersey.
This resolution (AR 111) urges New Jersey public high schools to establish "Pathways to Purpose Week" during the week of May 1. It directly affects high school students and administrators by encouraging schools to recognize and celebrate multiple post-graduation options - including college enrollment, apprenticeships, and military service - alongside traditional "College Decision Day" celebrations. The key provision requires schools to honor all pathways equally, addressing that nearly 30% of seniors do not pursue immediate college enrollment and apprenticeship participation has declined since 2016. The resolution is non-binding, recommending schools adopt this observance to highlight diverse success routes after high school.
This bill extends early intervention services to children aged three through five who are already receiving these services at age three. It requires the Department of Health to allow eligible children to continue receiving early intervention services until they turn six years old or become eligible for kindergarten, whichever occurs first. The services must comply with federal early intervention rules, including parental consent requirements. This change aims to minimize service disruptions during the transition from early intervention to school-based special education. The bill directly affects young children with developmental delays and their families in New Jersey.
This bill requires New Jersey public school boards to give hiring preference to veterans for teaching positions when veterans are equally qualified as non-veteran candidates in all measurable criteria (such as experience, certifications, and qualifications). It directly affects veterans applying for teaching jobs in most school districts, ensuring they receive preference only if their qualifications match other candidates exactly. The law does not apply to approximately nine school districts that follow the Civil Service system (Title 11A), as those districts' existing rules supersede this bill for classified employees. The preference applies immediately upon enactment.
This newly introduced New Jersey bill (A 2602) revises annual reporting requirements for public colleges and universities. It expands existing reporting to require institutions to include retention rates, applicant numbers, and acceptance rates - along with all student data disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, family income, and first-generation status. The bill mandates that institutions use this detailed student data to evaluate campus diversity, inform admissions policies, and improve equity initiatives and resource allocation. These changes apply to all public higher education institutions in New Jersey and would first take effect for the academic year following enactment. The bill does not change current reporting on graduation rates, SAT scores, or student financial aid programs.
This bill sets minimum staffing requirements for school library media specialists in New Jersey public schools based on student enrollment. Schools with under 300 students must employ at least a half-time specialist, those with 300-1,499 students must have one full-time specialist, and schools with 1,500+ students must have two full-time specialists. It also requires schools with 500+ students to employ library clerks (one full-time clerk plus one additional clerk per 500 students). The bill includes limited waivers for schools unable to hire certified staff, allowing up to two waivers within five years. These requirements apply starting the first full school year after enactment.
This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) to prominently display a direct link to NJSchoolJobs.com on its website homepage and promote the link through social media. It directly affects educators seeking school employment opportunities in New Jersey by making the job search resource more visible. The key provision mandates the DOE to add this link and actively share it on social media platforms as a dedicated job-search tool. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
This constitutional amendment (SCR 80) would revise New Jersey's constitution to clarify that the Legislature, not courts or other entities, determines how to fund and structure the state's public school system. It requires that school funding laws consider student and community needs using current data to ensure equitable per-pupil funding across districts, while explicitly prohibiting minimum or maximum State funding levels. The amendment also states the Legislature is not obligated to base annual funding on prior-year amounts. This change would directly affect all New Jersey public schools and their funding mechanisms by shifting decision-making authority to the Legislature.
S 3598 requires the New Jersey Commissioner of Education to establish specific criteria for designating school districts as SDA districts (which qualify for state aid to cover school construction and maintenance costs) and to recommend which districts meet those criteria. The bill mandates the Commissioner to develop clear, written criteria and provide a list of recommended districts to state authorities. This process will determine which New Jersey school districts are eligible for the state funding program. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on creating the criteria and recommendation process without changing existing SDA program rules.
This bill requires New Jersey school districts receiving preschool education aid to place at least 50% of preschool students in licensed child care provider programs (like licensed daycare centers), with the remainder allowed in district-run programs or Head Start. It directly affects school districts that receive state preschool funding under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008. Districts may apply for a waiver from this requirement if sufficient licensed child care placements aren't available within their district, but must provide justification to the Department of Education. The law takes effect in the first full school year after enactment.
