New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3266

Introduced
5/16/24  

Caption

Establishes pilot program to study feasibility of regionalization of certain school districts; appropriates $150,000.

Impact

The bill appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund for planning grants to aid in the creation and execution of the pilot program. Participating districts may apply for planning grants up to $50,000 to assist with costs related to data collection and community outreach. Additional funding will be allocated from the state to cover the feasibility study costs. The results of the evaluation process are expected to inform whether additional regions should participate in similar programs in the future, potentially reshaping the educational landscape of New Jersey as regionalization becomes a possibility.

Summary

Senate Bill S3266 aims to establish a pilot program in New Jersey to study the feasibility of creating K-12 all-purpose regional school districts by consolidating certain local school districts. This bill mandates the Commissioner of Education to oversee the program which will include a one-year planning phase followed by a five-year implementation phase. As part of the program, three pilot sites will be selected, ensuring representation from the northern, central, and southern parts of the state. Each participating school district will be required to conduct a feasibility study to assess both educational and financial impacts of the proposed consolidation.

Contention

A key point of contention likely revolves around the decision-making processes for regionalization, particularly the requirement that voters in the constituent municipalities must approve participation in the Phase II implementation. Critics may argue that such a requirement could complicate or hinder progress if local sentiments are against consolidation. Proponents, however, argue that this local involvement is crucial for ensuring that any changes align with community needs and concerns, thereby enhancing the educational framework without imposing top-down directives.

Companion Bills

NJ A3608

Same As Establishes pilot program to study feasibility of regionalization of certain school districts; appropriates $150,000.

NJ A481

Carry Over Establishes pilot program to study feasibility of regionalization of certain school districts; appropriates $150,000.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3608

Establishes pilot program to study feasibility of regionalization of certain school districts; appropriates $150,000.

NJ A481

Establishes pilot program to study feasibility of regionalization of certain school districts; appropriates $150,000.

NJ S3661

Modifies provisions of grant program that reimburses eligible costs for school district regionalization feasibility studies.

NJ S2048

Modifies provisions of grant program that reimburses eligible costs for school district regionalization feasibility studies.

NJ S2248

Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

NJ A4461

Establishes three-year nonpublic school student transportation pilot program in certain eligible school districts.

NJ S2776

Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

NJ A660

Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

NJ A2831

Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

NJ S1733

Establishes pilot program to provide guidance to students applying for federal financial aid.

Similar Bills

NJ A481

Establishes pilot program to study feasibility of regionalization of certain school districts; appropriates $150,000.

NJ A3608

Establishes pilot program to study feasibility of regionalization of certain school districts; appropriates $150,000.

CT HB05566

An Act Concerning Minor Revisions To The Education Statutes.

NJ A5717

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.

CT HB07023

An Act Concerning Various Revisions And Additions To The Education Statutes.

NJ S3910

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.

CT HB06385

An Act Implementing The Budget Recommendations Of The Governor Concerning Education.

CT HB06624

An Act Concerning Minor Revisions To The Education Statutes.