This bill requires New Jersey boards of education to directly employ individuals who perform duties necessitating certification from the State Board of Examiners, with specific exceptions allowing for contracted personnel in certain roles, such as substitute teachers and staff for special education services, provided they hold the necessary certifications. The legislation aims to uphold high standards for educational personnel while ensuring effective service delivery. Additionally, it recognizes the importance of virtual or remote instruction, permitting its use under certain conditions when in-person instruction is not feasible, and mandates that boards seek approval from the Commissioner of Education for such arrangements.

Furthermore, the bill allows for the contracting of additional services, including independent evaluations and home instruction, as long as the contracted personnel are certified. It establishes a process for case-by-case exemptions for districts required to employ certain professionals directly. The bill emphasizes that in-person instruction should be the primary mode of delivery, with virtual instruction as a supplementary option when necessary. It also enables temporary use of virtual instruction without prior approval in specific situations and allows for virtual financial literacy instruction as part of graduation requirements, ensuring that all educational opportunities align with New Jersey Student Learning Standards.