New Jersey Assembly Bill A3219

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

Establishes a pilot program in DOE to increase the length of the school day and school year and provides tax credits for corporate contributions to fund the program.

Impact

Under A3219, the Commissioner of Education will select up to 25 school districts for the pilot, focusing on a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas across New Jersey. The selection process will consider factors like the percentage of students who are not performing at grade level, graduation rates, and dropout rates to ensure that the program is implemented where it may have the most benefit. The bill also mandates a comprehensive evaluation of the program, which will be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature by June 30 of the third year.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3219 establishes a three-year pilot program in the New Jersey Department of Education aimed at increasing both the length of the school day and the school year. The primary intent behind the bill is to assess how extended instructional time might enhance student achievement, improve the overall learning environment, and provide greater enrichment opportunities in the education system. Participating school districts will apply to join this program with documentation from staff and parents supporting the proposed changes.

Contention

A significant aspect of this legislation is the financial structure supporting the pilot program. The bill offers tax credits to corporations that contribute funds to the program, with a cap on total credits of $24 million in the first year, increasing to $72 million by the third year. There may be concerns regarding the sustainability of this funding model and whether it might effectively incentivize corporate contributions, particularly in a context where educational funding is already a contentious issue. It remains to be seen how this pilot program might influence broader educational policy in New Jersey.