The Fairness in Special Education Funding for Student Success Act seeks to improve funding and support for special education services in New Jersey, particularly for students with high needs placements, defined as those with projected costs exceeding $55,000. The bill establishes the Office of High Needs Placement Funding within the Department of Education, which will manage contracts and payments to service providers, ensuring timely and accurate funding based on actual costs. Additionally, a High Needs Placement Committee will be created to develop a quality rating system for providers and analyze data related to special education services, while a directory of providers will be maintained to assist in informed decision-making.

Furthermore, the bill introduces significant changes to the funding structure for special education, including the deletion of previous incentives for keeping classified students in neighborhood schools and the introduction of a broader definition of at-risk students, now encompassing those eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. It proposes an expanded high-quality preschool program and recognizes the need for effective security measures in schools. The legislation also establishes a census model for special education funding to address cost variability across districts and modifies the funding process by allowing deductions from State aid based on various funding sources, while maintaining reimbursement for extraordinary special education costs for the first year of the new structure. Overall, the bill aims to create a more equitable and transparent funding system that meets the diverse needs of New Jersey's student population.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:7F-44, 18A:7F-46, 18A:7F-55, 46:15-7.1