The bill proposes significant changes to New Jersey's school funding law by eliminating the census-based method for calculating special education aid. Specifically, 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, the funding will be based on actual pupil counts from the previous school year, aiming to create a more equitable and predictable distribution of State aid, particularly for districts experiencing significant enrollment fluctuations. This shift is intended to address past deficiencies in funding formulas and ensure that all students receive adequate educational resources.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new funding formula that focuses on supporting at-risk students, including those with limited English proficiency and those eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. It emphasizes the need for resources that align with core curriculum standards and aims to expand access to high-quality preschool programs. The legislation also removes provisions that allowed districts to apply for additional special education aid based on low-incidence disabilities, streamlining the process and ensuring that funding reflects the actual needs of students. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the efficiency and transparency of educational funding 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