This bill amends the School District Fiscal Accountability Act to stipulate that the salary and associated costs for a State monitor and any additional staff appointed by the Commissioner of Education will be covered by the State, rather than the school district. This change is significant as it shifts the financial responsibility for oversight of school district operations and personnel matters from the local district to the State, which may alleviate financial burdens on struggling districts.

The bill also outlines the authority and responsibilities of the State monitor, including overseeing fiscal management, staffing, and ensuring compliance with corrective action plans. The State monitor will report directly to the Commissioner of Education and will have the power to override decisions made by the school district's chief administrator and board of education. This enhanced oversight aims to address deficiencies in school district operations and restore fiscal controls, ultimately improving the management of educational resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:7A-55