New Jersey Assembly Bill A1766

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Establishes reward program in DOE for districts with high academic performance and low per pupil expenditures.

Impact

Specifically, to qualify for the reward, at least 60% of students in the district must score at the proficient or advanced levels on state assessments in language arts and mathematics. Additionally, the district must have a per-pupil budgetary cost that ranks in the lowest quartile when compared to other districts within the same enrollment group. This program aims to incentivize districts not only to achieve academic excellence but also to do so in a financially responsible manner.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1766 proposes the establishment of the Academic Achievement and Efficiency Rewards Program within the New Jersey Department of Education. The primary objective of this program is to reward school districts that demonstrate both high academic performance and cost efficiency in their educational expenditures. Eligible districts that serve students in grades K-12 can receive a monetary reward of $250 per resident student if they meet the established criteria for academic success and spending efficiency.

Contention

The bill is expected to impact educational funding at the state level by introducing a performance-based funding mechanism that aligns rewards with measurable student outcomes and cost-effectiveness. While proponents of the bill argue that such a rewards program will promote educational excellence and incentivize districts to manage their budgets effectively, there may be concerns regarding equity. Critics could argue that tying funding to performance metrics may inadvertently disadvantage schools in lower socioeconomic areas where resources and student populations facing greater challenges can affect overall performance scores.