Recap of Amendments N.J.S.A. 18A:38-1.1 (P.L. 2013 c.231) was passed in January 2014. The law requires districts to continue to enroll and transport students who move during the academic year when the move is the result of a family crisis. It further requires the Department of Education (DOE) to reimburse districts for the additional costs of transporting the student to and from the new residence.

Purpose of Amendments Provide examples of a family crisis. Abuse; Uninhabitable home (fire, etc.); or death of parent. Provide a process to make the law fair for parents, districts, and the DOE. The Executive County Superintendent (ECS) must review and approve the eligibility of the situation as a family crisis, and approve the costs eligible for transportation reimbursement. Include a process and timeline for appeals. District Superintendents must advise parents of their right to appeal the district’s decision to the county office. Any party may appeal an ECS decision to the Commissioner.

Two Changes since First Discussion At the request of the State Board of Education, the Department is proposing a change that specifies “the Superintendent or his or her designee” is responsible for providing notification to the parent regarding student eligibility and the parent’s right to appeal. The first proposal amendment only specified that the district would notify the parent. This amendment is proposed to clarify the person within the district who is ultimately responsible. The DOE is proposing an agency-initiated change that specifies when the reimbursement will be made. The new amendment specifies the payment to the school district shall be made in the subsequent fiscal year.