This bill establishes a five-year Community Schools Pilot Program within the New Jersey Department of Education, aimed at integrating educational and community services in public schools. The program will be managed by an institution of higher education or a qualified nonprofit organization selected by the Commissioner of Education, who will also oversee the assignment of site coordinators to one public school in each county. These coordinators will assist in the establishment and operation of community schools, which are defined as schools that provide comprehensive services to students and families year-round. The bill mandates the creation of a technical assistance center to support participating schools and disseminate best practices for community school strategies.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the managing organization, including the employment and training of site coordinators, and the development of selection criteria for participating schools, which will be publicly posted. The Commissioner will conduct annual audits of the managing organization and contract an independent entity to evaluate the pilot program, with a final report due six months after its completion. The bill also establishes the Community Schools Pilot Program Fund, which will consist of appropriated funds, investment earnings, and private contributions, to support the program's implementation.