This bill amends the current law regarding the Educational Adequacy Report, which is issued every three years by the Governor in consultation with the Commissioner of Education. The upcoming report, due by September 1, 2025, will now require a comprehensive review of school funding components, including the base per pupil amount, preschool funding, and various weights and coefficients related to special education and transportation aid. The bill mandates that the Governor engage a diverse group of stakeholders—such as school administrators, staff, students, parents, and community members—to identify inadequately funded resources and supports within the current State school funding formula.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the Governor and the Commissioner must commission school finance experts to recommend revisions to the methodologies used for determining key funding parameters. These recommendations are intended to ensure that the funding provided to school districts is sufficient to support students in meeting the State's core curriculum content standards. The revisions will specifically address the per pupil amounts for full-day preschool and the cost coefficients for transportation aid, ensuring they reflect actual district expenditures and current preschool program requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:7F-46