The bill proposes a significant overhaul of the funding methodology for special education in New Jersey by eliminating the census-based funding model established under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008. It amends Section 5 of P.L.1996, c.138 (C.18A:7F-5) to remove references to the "State average classification rate" for general special education services and speech-only pupils. Instead, funding will be calculated based on the actual number of special education students enrolled in each district, aiming to provide a more accurate reflection of the needs of districts with varying student populations. This shift is intended to create a more equitable and predictable distribution of State aid, particularly for districts with high concentrations of at-risk students.

Additionally, the bill deletes provisions that previously allowed school districts to apply for extra special education categorical aid based on unusually high rates of low-incidence disabilities, as well as the requirement for a study and recommendations due by June 30, 2010. The proposed changes emphasize the importance of aligning the new funding formula with existing school accountability measures to ensure transparency and efficiency in educational service delivery. Overall, the bill seeks to establish a funding system that better supports the educational needs of all students while potentially reducing property taxes for communities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:7F-5, 18A:7F-44, 18A:7F-46, 18A:7F-51, 18A:7F-55