Establishes education savings accounts for students whose school districts require face masks or do not offer in person instruction.
Impact
If enacted, A4146 would have significant implications for state educational funding and school choice. The establishment of education savings accounts would enhance parental control over educational decisions, especially for families dissatisfied with their local school district's policies regarding masks and in-person learning. Critics argue that this could divert essential funds away from public schools, potentially exacerbating inequities in educational resources and funding. The bill also outlines usage restrictions for funds, ensuring they are primarily used for legitimate educational expenses.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4146 aims to establish education savings accounts for children who are residents of New Jersey and whose school districts either required face masks in schools or failed to provide in-person instruction after March 7, 2022. The bill allows parents or guardians to enter into an agreement with the State Treasurer to create an education savings account for their child, where funds equivalent to the school's weighted base per pupil amount will be deposited. These funds can be used for various educational expenses, including tuition at participating nonpublic schools, tutoring services, textbooks, and transportation costs.
Contention
The bill is expected to generate controversy around issues of educational equity and the role of public funding in private education. Supporters assert that the accounts will provide much-needed flexibility for families seeking alternatives to public schools with restrictive policies, while opponents warn this could undermine traditional public education by encouraging a system of vouchers. Furthermore, the auditing mechanisms outlined in the bill aim to prevent misuse of funds but raise questions about oversight and accountability for these accounts.
A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring school engagement meetings and attendance cooperation proceedings when children are absent from school, requiring school districts to restrict student use of cellular phones and smartphones, modifying provisions related to open enrollment of truant students, and modifying penalties. (Formerly HF 2254.)