Includes adjustment aid in calculation of districts' payments to charter schools under certain circumstances.
Impact
If enacted, A394 would potentially increase the financial resources allocated to charter schools, especially in cases where a school district's adjustment aid is substantial. This could mitigate the funding gap that exists when charter schools receive lower funding compared to their district counterparts. The requirement for districts to allocate 60% of specified funding to charter schools under certain conditions could shift the financial dynamics of local education funding.
Summary
Assembly Bill A394 aims to amend the funding structure for charter schools in New Jersey by including adjustment aid in the calculation of payments from school districts. Currently, school districts are required to pay charter schools an amount based on the budget year equalization aid and the prebudget year general fund tax levy, which does not take into account adjustment aid. This bill intends to rectify disparities in funding for charter schools by ensuring that all relevant funding sources are considered in these calculations.
Contention
The bill may face opposition from traditional public school advocates who are concerned that increasing payments to charter schools could divert funds away from public education. Critics might argue that making adjustment aid part of the funding calculation could lead to greater inequities in an already divided educational funding landscape. Legislative discussions will likely highlight the tension between supporting charter schools' growth and maintaining equitable funding for all public educational institutions.
Modifies various aspects of charter school program including student enrollment procedures, revocation of charter, monitoring of charter schools, and collaboration between school districts and charter schools.
Modifies various aspects of charter school program including student enrollment procedures, revocation of charter, monitoring of charter schools, and collaboration between school districts and charter schools.
Provides an adjustment to school district tax levy cap for increases in special education costs per pupil in excess of $40,000 that exceed such prior year costs by more than 2%.
Limits annual increase in tuition rates charged by school districts, county vocational school districts, county special services districts, jointure commissions, and private schools for students with disabilities to two percent.
Makes various changes to provision of preschool aid and facilities requirements; establishes Universal Preschool Implementation Steering Committee; requires full-day kindergarten in all school districts.
Modifies school district property tax cap law; appropriates $67.9 million to provide additional State school aid to school districts experiencing reductions in 2025-2026 school year.