This bill aims to enhance enrollment flexibility for military-connected students in New Jersey's school districts. It defines a military-connected student as a dependent of various military personnel, including active duty members, retirees, and certain civilian employees. The legislation stipulates that if a military-connected child relocates outside their original district, the parent or guardian can choose to maintain enrollment in the original district for the remainder of the school year or transfer to the new district. Additionally, if the child is in 11th grade, they can remain enrolled in the original district until graduation. The bill also allows for immediate enrollment in schools serving military families if the student cannot access housing within 30 days of arrival at a new duty station or if the current district fails to meet quality performance indicators.

Furthermore, the bill amends the Interdistrict Public School Choice Program Act to provide military-connected students with specific rights, including waivers from residency requirements, preference in enrollment, protection against discrimination, and guaranteed admission regardless of district capacity if military orders are provided. These provisions aim to ensure that military-connected students have equitable access to educational opportunities, reflecting the unique challenges faced by families in the military.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:7B-12, 18A:36B-20