New Jersey Assembly Bill A2848

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Establishes educational service agencies for procuring custodial and food services in schools and ensures certain employee rights for affected employees.

Impact

Through this legislation, school districts will be required to acquire food and custodial services strictly via the master contracts negotiated by the educational service agencies. This is seen as a positive step towards reducing administrative complexities and promoting more standardized service provision. However, the bill also emphasizes the importance of protecting employees in these sectors, ensuring they are not unduly displaced and can maintain benefits such as seniority and recall rights even if a school district opts for a new contractor via the agency.

Summary

Bill A2848 establishes educational service agencies in each county tasked with the consolidation of procurement for food and custodial services within schools. This bill aims to create cost efficiencies through economies of scale, while ensuring that control over essential school functions remains within the jurisdiction of the school districts. By mandating that school districts utilize these agencies for contracted services, the bill seeks to streamline operations and potentially lower costs associated with these services.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the potential impact on pre-existing collective bargaining agreements. If a school district uses its own employees to provide these services, it cannot simply switch to an educational service agency’s contract without significant prior notice and negotiation with affected employees. Critics argue that this could lead to complications if a school district's budget constraints force layoffs or changes in staffing, while supporters of the bill emphasize the importance of employee protection and fair transition processes.