This bill mandates that boards of education in New Jersey directly employ professionals who require certification from the State Board of Examiners, while allowing for the contracting of specific personnel under certain conditions, such as substitute teachers and those providing instruction in financial literacy and special education services. The legislation emphasizes the importance of maintaining high-quality educational services while providing flexibility in staffing. It also addresses the use of virtual or remote instruction, permitting it under specific circumstances where in-person instruction cannot be provided, and requires boards to seek approval from the Commissioner of Education for such methods.

Additionally, the bill allows for contracting additional services, including independent child study team evaluations and home instruction, as long as the personnel hold the necessary certifications. It establishes a process for case-by-case exemptions to the direct employment requirement and mandates that instructional services be delivered in-person unless otherwise permitted. The bill outlines a procedure for applying for individualized virtual or remote instruction and allows for temporary use of such instruction without prior approval when in-person instruction is not feasible. It also includes provisions for virtual instruction in financial literacy as part of graduation requirements and defines individualized student learning opportunities for high school students that contribute toward diploma credit requirements.