Provides Supplemental Transportation Growth Aid for school districts in 2023-2024 school year; appropriates $31.6 million.
Impact
If enacted, this bill appropriates a total of $31.6 million from the Property Tax Relief Fund to support this initiative. The aid is targeted to help school districts better manage their transportation costs, alleviate financial burdens, and ensure that all eligible students, particularly those with special needs, receive necessary transportation services. By offering this additional support, the bill could contribute to smoother operation of school transportation systems statewide and enhance access to education for all students.
Summary
Senate Bill 2131, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, aims to provide Supplemental Transportation Growth Aid for school districts for the 2023-2024 school year. The bill specifies the allocation of funds based on the number of students eligible for transportation services, including both regular and special education students. The proposed aid consists of $40 for each non-special needs pupil and $275 for each special needs pupil requiring transportation, which addresses the varying costs of providing transportation for different student populations.
Contention
While the bill has the potential to address crucial aspects of school aid and transportation funding, concerns may arise regarding the sufficiency of the allotted funds. Stakeholders could debate whether the proposed amounts per pupil adequately reflect the true costs of transportation, particularly in districts with higher concentrations of special education needs. Additionally, ensuring that the distribution of funds is equitable across different districts may become a significant point of discussion as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
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.
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.
"S2 Appropriations Rescue Act"; appropriates $106.5 million to provide Emergency Supplemental Aid to certain school districts, including districts negatively impacted by effects of P.L.2018, c.67.
"S2 Appropriations Rescue Act"; appropriates $106.5 million to provide Emergency Supplemental Aid to certain school districts, including districts negatively impacted by effects of P.L.2018, c.67.
Provides additional State school aid to school districts experiencing enrollment increases due to conversion of age-restricted housing developments to non-restricted developments.
Establishes nonpublic school transportation program to provide funding to consortiums of nonpublic schools that will assume responsibility for mandated nonpublic school busing.