New Jersey Assembly Bill A3384

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

Establishes grant program for school districts to develop in-district and collaborative special education programs and services to reduce need to place classified students out-of-district.

Impact

If enacted, A3384 could significantly alter how special education services are structured and funded within New Jersey school districts. The bill directs the Commissioner of Education to oversee the development of the grant program, ensuring that schools have the necessary support to create in-district solutions. Districts applying for funds will be required to submit proposals detailing their plans, including the expected impact on out-of-district placements and cost savings. This approach aims to tailor educational programs to better meet the needs of local students, potentially increasing access to appropriate educational resources within familiar environments.

Summary

A3384 is a legislative bill introduced in New Jersey that aims to establish a grant program specifically for school districts to develop in-district special education programs and services. The primary intention of this bill is to reduce the need for placing classified students out-of-district, which can be costly for school districts. By providing initial funding, the bill seeks to empower districts to create high-quality programs that accommodate the educational needs of students with disabilities, while also optimizing local resources. Notably, the programs can either be developed independently by individual districts or collaboratively by multiple districts, fostering cooperative efforts to improve educational services.

Contention

Some points of contention around A3384 may arise regarding the balance between state oversight and local control in educational matters. Concerns may include the adequacy of funding to actually meet the needs of the districts and how success will be measured post-implementation. The requirement for districts to develop comprehensive proposals may also draw scrutiny regarding the resources and time needed to prepare such submissions. Additionally, the long-term sustainability of programs beyond the initial funding period could also be a source of debate, particularly regarding commitment from local administrators and the available budget post-grant.