This bill revises the laws governing the allocation of State aid for auxiliary and remedial services for nonpublic school students in New Jersey. It introduces a requirement for school districts to seek reimbursement for transportation and maintenance costs associated with these services, which will now be reimbursed through State aid instead of being directly paid by the districts. A new monthly application process for reimbursement is established, with specific guidelines and timelines set by the commissioner. The commissioner will also determine maximum per service aid amounts based on estimates of eligible students and service costs, which will be communicated to districts by July 15 each year.

Additionally, the bill allows for the inclusion of non-resident nonpublic school students in eligibility reports and permits districts to seek reimbursement for services provided to these students. It emphasizes the importance of timely applications for reimbursement, granting the commissioner the authority to withhold aid for non-compliance with established timelines. Several sections of the previous law are repealed to streamline the process, including the calculation of aid and the requirement for districts to refund unspent State aid. The bill aims to ensure that appropriated funds are fully utilized by the end of the school year and is set to take effect immediately, applying to the first full school year following its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:46-19.6, 18A:46-19.8, 18A:46A-6, 18A:46A-8, 18A:46A-9, 18A:46A-10, 18A:46A-15