This bill amends current law to allow school districts in New Jersey that do not have a board of school estimate to submit separate proposals for additional funding at special school elections. Previously, districts could only present such proposals during the annual school election. The new provision enables these districts to seek voter approval for additional funds for the subsequent budget year during special elections, which can occur in January, March, September, and December. However, a district can only submit one proposal for additional funds during a special election in a given school year, and the bill clarifies that it does not prevent the submission of capital project questions on the same election date.

Additionally, the bill includes specific requirements for the proposals, such as the need for interpretive statements that identify the purposes of the requested funds. It maintains that proposals cannot include programs or services necessary for students to meet core curriculum standards. The executive county superintendent retains the authority to prohibit proposals if the district has not implemented all potential administrative efficiencies that could eliminate the need for additional funding. Overall, this legislation aims to provide more flexibility for school districts in securing necessary funding while ensuring accountability and transparency in the budgeting process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:7F-5, 18A:7F-39