An Act establishing regional superintendents of schools and amending, supplementing and repealing parts of the statutory law.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. R.S.9:10-1 is amended to read as follows:

9:10-1. The board of chosen freeholders of a county having a juvenile and domestic relations court may establish and equip a school of detention for dependent and delinquent children under sixteen years of age whom it may be necessary to detain by order or direction of the County Court and for that purpose may purchase suitable land and buildings or erect buildings on land owned by the county, but the consent of the County Court shall be had before any lands shall be purchased or buildings erected for such purpose.

The school of detention with the land belonging thereto shall constitute a special school district in such county and the [county superintendent of schools] Commissioner of Education shall apportion and pay to the county treasurer, who shall be the custodian of the school's moneys, such apportionment of State school moneys and interest and surplus revenues as are paid to other school districts.

The general management of the detention school when completed shall be vested in a board of directors consisting of the judge of the juvenile and domestic relations court, [the county superintendent of schools] a designee of the Commissioner of Education, two members of the board of chosen freeholders selected by the director of such board and such director and the superintendent of schools of the most populous city in the county.

(cf: P.L.1953, c.9, s.21)

2. N.J.S.11A:3-5 is amended to read as follows:

11A:3-5. The political subdivision unclassified service shall not be subject to the provisions of this title unless otherwise specified and shall include the following:

a. Elected officials;

b. One secretary and one confidential assistant to each mayor;

c. Members of boards and commissions authorized by law;

d. Heads of institutions;

e. Physicians, surgeons and dentists;

f. Attorneys of a county, municipality or school district operating under this title;

g. Teaching staff, as defined in N.J.S.18A:1-1, in the public schools and [county] regional superintendents and members and business managers of boards of education;

h. Principal executive officers;

i. One secretary, clerk or executive director to each department, board and commission authorized by law to make the appointment;

j. One secretary or clerk to each county constitutional officer, principal executive officer, and judge;

k. One deputy or first assistant to a principal executive officer who is authorized by statute to act for and in place of the principal executive officer;

l. No more than 12 county department heads and the heads of divisions within such departments; provided that the total number of unclassified positions created by the county administrative code pursuant to this subsection shall not exceed 20;

m. One secretary or confidential assistant to each unclassified department or division head established in subsection l.;

n. Employees of county park commissions, appointed pursuant to R.S.40:37-96 through R.S.40:37-174, in counties of the second class;

o. Directors of free public libraries in cities of the first class having a population of more than 300,000;

p. One secretary to the municipal council in cities of the first class having a population of less than 300,000;

q. One secretary and one confidential aide for each member of the board of freeholders other than the director, and one secretary and two confidential aides for the freeholder director, of any county of the second class with a population of at least 470,000 which has not adopted the provisions of the "Optional County Charter Law," P.L.1972, c.154 (C.40:41A-1 et seq.) and one secretary or confidential aide for each member of the board of freeholders of any other county which has not adopted the provisions of the "Optional County Charter Law";

r. In school districts organized pursuant to N.J.S.18A:17-1 et seq., the executive controller, public information officer and the executive directors of board affairs, personnel, budget, purchasing, physical facilities, data processing, financial affairs, and internal audit;

s. The executive director, assistant executive director, director of staff operations, director of administration, director of redevelopment and the urban initiatives coordinator of a local housing authority;

t. The sheriff's investigators of any county appointed pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1987, c.113 (C.40A:9-117a);

u. Any title as provided by statute or as the Civil Service Commission may determine in accordance with criteria established by rule;

v. One confidential aide for each county clerk, in addition to the titles included under subsection j. of this section; and

w. Two deputy municipal clerks in cities of the first class having a population of not less than 240,000 persons or more than 250,000 persons according to the 2000 federal decennial census.

(cf: P.L.2008, c.29, s.24)

3. N.J.S.18A:1-1 is amended to read as follows:

18A:1-1. As used in this title, unless the context requires another meaning, the following words and phrases shall have the following meaning:

"Academic year" means the period between the time school opens in any school district or under any board of education after the general summer vacation until the next succeeding summer vacation;

"All purpose regional district" shall have the meaning assigned to it in subsection a. of section 18A:13-2;

"Board" means the board of education;

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Education;

["County superintendent" means the County Superintendent of Schools;]

"Department" means the State Department of Education;

"District" means a school district;

"Employee" includes the holder of any position or employment;

"Employment" includes employment in a position;

"Full membership" of any board or body means the number of members of the board or body when all the members' seats are filled and a "majority of the full membership" of any board or body means a majority of such number;

"Higher education" means that education which is provided by any or all of the public institutions of higher education as herein defined and any or all equivalent private institutions; "Limited purpose regional district" shall have the meaning assigned to it in subsection b. of section 18A:13-2;

"Local school district" means any school district comprising within its territorial boundaries the territory comprised in one or more municipalities, except a regional school district;

"Private school" means a school, under college grade, which does not derive its support entirely or in part from public funds;

"Public institution of higher education" shall have the meaning assigned to it in section 18A:62-1;

"Public school" means a school, under college grade, which derives its support entirely or in part from public funds;

"Public school system" means the system of public schools of the State;

"Regional superintendent" means the Regional Superintendent of Schools;

"Residence" means domicile, unless a temporary residence is indicated;

"School nurse" shall mean and include any school nurse, school nurse supervisor, head school nurse, chief school nurse, school nurse coordinator or any other nurse performing school nursing services in the public schools;

"State board" means the State Board of Education;

"Teaching staff member" means a member of the professional staff of any district or regional board of education, or any board of education of a county vocational school, holding office, position or employment of such character that the qualifications, for such office, position or employment, require him to hold a valid and effective standard, provisional or emergency certificate, appropriate to his office, position or employment, issued by the State Board of Examiners and includes a school nurse and a school athletic trainer.

(cf: P.L.1999, c.87, s.1)

4. N.J.S.18A:4-29 is amended to read as follows:

18A:4-29. The commissioner shall from time to time instruct the [county] regional superintendents and superintendents of schools as to the performance of their duties, the conduct of the schools and the construction and furnishing of schoolhouses, and he shall, with the approval of the state board, hold meetings of the [county] regional superintendents and superintendents of schools at least once in each year for the discussion of school affairs and of ways and means for promoting a thorough and efficient system of education.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:4-29)

5. N.J.S.18A:4-37 is amended to read as follows:

18A:4-37. The salary of each helping teacher shall be paid as other state salaries are paid. The director of the division of budget and accounting shall, on order of the commissioner, draw his warrant for such salary on the state treasurer and all claims for the expenses of helping teachers shall be paid, in 10 equal monthly installments, after being audited by the [county] regional superintendent, on orders issued by the [county] regional superintendent and drawn on the county treasurer from moneys apportioned for that purpose. No such payment shall be made for expenses until a duly certified monthly expense account, with vouchers whenever possible, shall be submitted to the [county] regional superintendent, which shall be kept on file in his office.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:4-37)

6. N.J.S.18A:6-34 is amended to read as follows:

18A:6-34. There shall be a State Board of Examiners, consisting of the commissioner ex officio and one assistant commissioner of education, two presidents of State colleges, one [county] regional superintendent, one superintendent of schools of a Type I district, one superintendent of a Type II district, one high school principal, one elementary school principal, one school business administrator, one librarian employed by the State or by one of its political subdivisions and four teaching staff members other than a superintendent, principal, school business administrator or librarian, all of whom shall be appointed by the commissioner with the approval of the State board.

(cf: P.L.1988, c.124)

7. Section 2 of P.L.1968, c.243 (C.18A:6-52) is amended to read as follows:

2. a. Whenever five or more boards of education in any county or in any two or more counties and the commissioner after study and investigation shall deem it advisable to establish a county educational services commission, such boards of education may petition the State Board of Education for permission to establish such a commission. A report shall be attached to such petition setting forth the kind or kinds of educational and administrative services and programs which are deemed to be needed and proposed to be provided, an estimate of the cost of providing such services and programs, a method of financing the expenditures of such commission, including a detailed budget which projects anticipated costs and identifies anticipated sources of revenue until such can be financed under its first regularly adopted budget, and any other data or information deemed pertinent.

The State board, after studying the petition and report, shall determine whether there is a need for such a commission and whether its operation is feasible. If the State board finds that the need exists and further finds that the operation of a commission will be feasible, it shall approve the petition and so notify the petitioning boards of education and the [county] regional superintendent or [county] regional superintendents of the [county] region or [counties] regions, as the case may be, in which such boards of education are located.

b. Commissions of less than five member districts established prior to the effective date of this amendatory act may continue to provide services and programs pursuant to this act.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.254, s.2)

8. Section 3 of P.L.1968, c.243 (C:18A:6-53) is amended to read as follows:

3. Whenever the boards of education and the [county] regional superintendent or superintendents, as the case may be, receive notification that the State board approves the establishment of a commission, the [county] regional superintendent, or the [county] regional superintendents by agreement if more than one [county] region is included, shall instruct each board of education to elect one of its members or the superintendent or chief school administrator, to represent the district on the commission, and shall fix a date and place for the first meeting of the
representative assembly.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.254, s.3)

9. Section 4 of P.L.1968, c.243 (C.18A:6-54) is amended to read as follows:

4. The first representative assembly shall organize upon the call of the [county] regional superintendent or [county] regional superintendents, as the case may be. Thereafter the representative assembly shall organize annually during the first week of June and meet at other times as necessary. The representative assembly shall elect, by a majority vote, from among its members a board of directors to serve until the next annual organization meeting. Upon election, the board of directors shall elect a president and vice president who shall also serve until the next organization meeting.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.254, s.4)

10. Section 9 of P.L.1968, c.243 (C.18A:6-59) is amended to read as follows:

9. The powers and duties of the secretary of the board of directors shall be prescribed by the board, including but not limited to the following:

(a) Record in a suitable book all proceedings of the board.

(b) Pay out on warrants signed by the president and another member of the board.

(1) The amount of the total appropriations and the cash receipts for each account;

(2) The amount for which warrants have been drawn and the amount of orders for all contractual obligations since the date of his last report;

(3) The accounts against which the warrants have been drawn and the accounts against which the contractual obligations are chargeable; and

(4) The cash balance and free balance to the credit of each account;

(d) Notify all members of the board of all regular meetings of the board.

(e) Notify all members of the board of special meetings of the board when ordered by the president to do so, or when requested to do so by a petition in writing signed by at least 1/3 of the members of the board.

(f) During the month of November in each year, report to the board a detailed audit report of its financial transactions during the preceding fiscal year, and file a copy thereof with the [county] regional superintendent of schools, or [county] regional superintendents, as the case may be, of the [county] region or [counties] regions in which the commission is located. The report shall itemize all expenses, indicating which are commission expenses and which are expenses of each program or service offered. Where appropriate, the report shall indicate which commission expenses can be reasonably charged to specific programs or services. The report shall also indicate the amount and disposition of revenues derived from membership charges, if any, and from each program or service.

(g) Notify all members of the representative assembly of meetings of the board of directors and record all transactions.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.254, s.9)

11. Section 12 of P.L.1968, c.243 (C.18A:6-62) is amended to read as follows:

12. The representative assembly shall annually, on or before March 8, adopt a budget for the ensuing fiscal year, which shall contain the estimated cost of providing each service or program, and submit such budget within three days of adoption to the [county] regional superintendent for approval.

By January 15 prior to the adoption of the budget the board shall notify each member board of education of the fees to be charged for each service and program for the ensuing school year and of the method by which the commission expenses shall be funded.

The commission expenses may be paid from one or more of the following sources:

a. unappropriated balances from the prebudget year;

b. anticipated surpluses to be generated by fees for programs or services;

c. payments by member districts;

d. anticipated miscellaneous revenues.

If payments shall be made by member districts to pay for all or part of the commission expenses, each member district's share shall be determined as the proportion which the total public school enrollment in the school district on the last school day prior to October 16 of the year in which the budget is made bears to the total public school enrollment for all member districts on the last school day prior to October 16 or in any other manner agreed to by two-thirds of the members of the representative assembly. Payment of the member district's share of the commission expense, when so determined, shall be an obligation of a member school district, and payments shall be made during the school year for which such budget shall have been made in a manner determined by the representative assembly.

(cf: P.L.1992, c.159, s.4)

12. Section 13 of P.L.1968, c.243 (C.18A:6-63) is amended to read as follows:

13. a. The representative assembly shall from time to time determine what services and programs shall be provided by the commission, subject to approval of and pursuant to rules of the State Board of Education. It shall determine the fee to be charged for providing each service and program, and enter into contracts with school districts, whether member districts of the commission or not, to provide any or all such services and programs. The commission may enter into contracts to provide these services and programs to nonpublic schools. Such contracts for member districts may be for terms not exceeding 10 years, and a member school district, having so contracted, may not withdraw from membership in the commission during the term of such a contract.

b. Commissions may enter into contracts with other public and private agencies for the provision of approved services and programs to participating public school districts and nonpublic schools. These contractual arrangements shall conform to rules and regulations of the State Board of Education and be approved by the [county] regional superintendent or superintendents, as the case may be.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.254, s.13)

13. Section 14 of P.L.1968, c.243 (C.18A:6-64) is amended to read as follows:

14. Except as provided in section 13 of this act, a school district which is a member of a commission may withdraw from membership by adopting a resolution setting forth its intention to withdraw and the reason or reasons for the withdrawal, and filing with the [county] regional superintendent or superintendents, as the case may be, and secretary of the board of directors a certified copy of such resolution. The withdrawal shall be effective at the conclusion of the third full school year after the filing of such resolution with the secretary of the board of directors.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.254, s.14)

14. Section 1 of P.L.2001, c.292 (C.18A:6-110) is amended to read as follows:

1. a. There is established the Spread the Word Program in the Department of Education. The purpose of the program is to provide books to elementary school children in grades kindergarten through five. Under the program, donating schools shall collect books from children and families who have extra books at home, and these books shall be donated to recipient schools for distribution to children who have few books at home. The program shall be [county-based] region-based and shall be administered by the [county] regional superintendent of schools.

b. Prior to the start of each school year, the department shall send to each elementary school in the State an informational brochure on the program. If the school is interested in participating in the program as a donating school, the principal shall contact the [county] regional superintendent of schools to receive further information on program participation.

c. A donating school shall conduct book drives. When the drive is finished, the school shall review the donated books to ensure that they are age-appropriate and in satisfactory condition. After the review, the school shall count, sort and pack the books and contact the [county] regional superintendent of schools to report the approximate number of books collected and the number of boxes needed to be transported. The [county] regional superintendent of schools shall arrange for the books to be transported from the donating school to an eligible recipient school. The State shall assume the costs of transporting the donated books to the recipient school.

d. The State Board of Education shall determine criteria for choosing recipient schools which shall be based, at least in part, on the number of low-income pupils attending the school. The [county] regional superintendent of schools shall contact schools within the [county] region that meet the criteria and provide information regarding the program. An eligible school that is interested in receiving donated books under the program shall inform the [county] regional superintendent of schools.

e. The Commissioner of Education shall assign a person on a part-time basis to serve as the coordinator of the program.

(cf: P.L.2001, c.292, s.1)

15. Section 3 of P.L.1989, c.290 (C.18A:7B-12.1) is amended to read as follows:

3. The district of residence for a homeless child determined pursuant to section 19 of P.L.1979, c.207 (C.18A:7B-12) shall be responsible for the education of the homeless child. The district of residence shall determine the educational placement of the child after consulting with the parent or guardian. This determination shall be: a. to continue the child's education in the school district of last attendance, b. to enroll the child in the district of residence if the district of residence is not the district of last attendance, or c. to enroll the child in the school district where the child is temporarily living, whichever is in the child's best interest. If the parent or guardian objects to the determination made by the district of residence, the [county] regional superintendent of schools shall be notified and within 48 hours shall determine the placement of the child based on criteria established by the State Board of Education. Any appeals regarding the determination shall be resolved according to rules established by the State Board of Education.

When the homeless child attends school in a district other than the district of residence, the district of residence shall pay the costs of tuition for the child to attend school in that district and shall pay for any transportation costs incurred by that district; except that in the case of a child who has resided in a domestic violence shelter or transitional living facility located in a district other than the district of residence for more than one year, the State shall pay the costs of tuition for the child to attend school in that district. When the homeless child attends school in the district of residence while temporarily residing in another district, the district of residence shall provide for transportation to and from school pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.18A:58-7.

(cf: P.L.2012, c.80, s.2)

16. Section 5 of P.L.1996, c.138 (C.18A:7F-5) is amended to read as follows:

5. As used in this section, "cost of living" means the CPI as defined in section 3 of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-45).

a. Within 30 days following the approval of the Educational Adequacy Report, the commissioner shall notify each district of the base per pupil amount, the per pupil amounts for full-day preschool, the weights for grade level, county vocational school districts, at-risk pupils, bilingual pupils, and combination pupils, the cost coefficients for security aid and for transportation aid, the State average classification rate and the excess cost for general special education services pupils, the State average classification rate and the excess cost for speech-only pupils, and the geographic cost adjustment for each of the school years to which the report is applicable.

Annually, within two days following the transmittal of the State budget message to the Legislature by the Governor pursuant to section 11 of P.L.1944, c.112 (C.52:27B-20), the commissioner shall notify each district of the maximum amount of aid payable to the district in the succeeding school year pursuant to the provisions of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-43 et al.), and shall notify each district of the district's adequacy budget for the succeeding school year.

For the 2008-2009 school year and thereafter, unless otherwise specified within P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-43 et al.), aid amounts payable for the budget year shall be based on budget year pupil counts, which shall be projected by the commissioner using data from prior years. Adjustments for the actual pupil counts of the budget year shall be made to State aid amounts payable during the school year succeeding the budget year. Additional amounts payable shall be reflected as revenue and an account receivable for the budget year.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this act to the contrary, each district's State aid payable for the 2008-2009 school year, with the exception of aid for school facilities projects, shall be based on simulations employing the various formulas and State aid amounts contained in P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-43 et al.). The commissioner shall prepare a report dated December 12, 2007 reflecting the State aid amounts payable by category for each district and shall submit the report to the Legislature prior to the adoption of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-43 et al.). Except as otherwise provided pursuant to this subsection and paragraph (3) of subsection d. of section 5 of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-47), the amounts contained in the commissioner's report shall be the final amounts payable and shall not be subsequently adjusted other than to reflect the phase-in of the required general fund local levy pursuant to paragraph (4) of subsection b. of section 16 of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-58) and to reflect school choice aid to which a district may be entitled pursuant to section 20 of that act. The projected pupil counts and equalized valuations used for the calculation of State aid shall also be used for the calculation of adequacy budget, local share, and required local share. For 2008-2009, extraordinary special education State aid shall be included as a projected amount in the commissioner's report dated December 12, 2007 pending the final approval of applications for the aid. If the actual award of extraordinary special education State aid is greater than the projected amount, the district shall receive the increase in the aid payable in the subsequent school year pursuant to the provisions of subsection c. of section 13 of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-55). If the actual award of extraordinary special education State aid is less than the projected amount, other State aid categories shall be adjusted accordingly so that the district shall not receive less State aid than as provided in accordance with the provisions of sections 5 and 16 of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-47 and C.18A:7F-58).

In the event that the commissioner determines, following the enactment of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-43 et al.) but prior to the issuance of State aid notices for the 2008-2009 school year, that a significant district-specific change in data warrants an increase in State aid for that district, the commissioner may adjust the State aid amount provided for the district in the December 12, 2007 report to reflect the increase.

b. Each district shall have a required local share. For districts that receive educational adequacy aid pursuant to subsection b. of section 16 of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-58), the required local share shall be calculated in accordance with the provisions of that subsection.

For all other districts, the required local share shall equal the lesser of the local share calculated at the district's adequacy budget pursuant to section 9 of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-51), or the district's budgeted local share for the prebudget year.

In order to meet this requirement, each district shall raise a general fund tax levy which equals its required local share.

No municipal governing body or bodies or board of school estimate, as appropriate, shall certify a general fund tax levy which does not meet the required local share provisions of this section.

c. Annually, on or before March 4, or on or before March 20 in the case of a school district with an annual school election in November, each district board of education shall adopt, and submit to the commissioner for approval, together with such supporting documentation as the commissioner may prescribe, a budget that provides for a thorough and efficient education. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection to the contrary, the commissioner may adjust the date for the submission of district budgets if the commissioner determines that the availability of preliminary aid numbers for the subsequent school year warrants such adjustment.

Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, for the 2005-2006 school year each district board of education shall submit a proposed budget in which the advertised per pupil administrative costs do not exceed the lower of the following:

(1) the district's advertised per pupil administrative costs for the 2004-2005 school year inflated by the cost of living or 2.5 percent, whichever is greater; or

(2) the per pupil administrative cost limits for the district's region as determined by the commissioner based on audited expenditures for the 2003-2004 school year.

The executive county superintendent of schools may disapprove the school district's 2005-2006 proposed budget if he determines that the district has not implemented all potential efficiencies in the administrative operations of the district. The executive county superintendent shall work with each school district in the county during the 2004-2005 school year to identify administrative inefficiencies in the operations of the district that might cause the superintendent to reject the district's proposed 2005-2006 school year budget.

For the 2006-2007 school year and each school year thereafter, each district board of education shall submit a proposed budget in which the advertised per pupil administrative costs do not exceed the lower of the following:

(1) the district's prior year per pupil administrative costs; except that the district may submit a request to the commissioner for approval to exceed the district's prior year per pupil administrative costs due to increases in enrollment, administrative positions necessary as a result of mandated programs, administrative vacancies, nondiscretionary fixed costs, and such other items as defined in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to section 7 of P.L.2004, c.73. In the event that the commissioner approves a district's request to exceed its prior year per pupil administrative costs, the increase authorized by the commissioner shall not exceed the cost of living or 2.5 percent, whichever is greater; or

(2) the prior year per pupil administrative cost limits for the district's region inflated by the cost of living or 2.5 percent, whichever is greater.

d. (1) A district's general fund tax levy shall not exceed the district's adjusted tax levy as calculated pursuant to sections 3 and 4 of P.L.2007, c.62 (C.18A:7F-38 and 18A:7F-39).

(2) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2007, c.260).

(3) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2007, c.260).

(4) Any debt service payment made by a school district during the budget year shall not be included in the calculation of the district's adjusted tax levy.

(5) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2007, c.260).

(6) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2007, c.260).

(7) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2004, c.73).

(8) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2010, c.44)

(9) Any district may submit at the annual school budget election, in accordance with subsection c. of section 4 of P.L.2007, c.62 (C.18A:7F-39), a separate proposal or proposals for additional funds, including interpretive statements, specifically identifying the program purposes for which the proposed funds shall be used, to the voters, who may, by voter approval, authorize the raising of an additional general fund tax levy for such purposes. In the case of a district with a board of school estimate, one proposal for the additional spending shall be submitted to the board of school estimate. Any proposal or proposals submitted to the voters or the board of school estimate shall not: include any programs and services that were included in the district's prebudget year net budget unless the proposal is approved by the commissioner upon submission by the district of sufficient reason for an exemption to this requirement; or include any new programs and services necessary for students to achieve the thoroughness standards established pursuant to subsection a. of section 4 of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-46).

The [executive county] regional superintendent of schools may prohibit the submission of a separate proposal or proposals to the voters or board of school estimate if he determines that the district has not implemented all potential efficiencies in the administrative operations of the district, which efficiencies would eliminate the need for the raising of an additional general fund tax levy.

(10) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, if a district proposes a budget with a general fund tax levy and equalization aid which exceed the adequacy budget, the following statement shall be published in the legal notice of public hearing on the budget pursuant to N.J.S.18A:22-28, posted at the public hearing held on the budget pursuant to N.J.S.18A:22-29, and printed on the sample ballot required pursuant to section 10 of P.L.1995, c.278 (C.19:60-10):

"Your school district has proposed programs and services in addition to the core curriculum content standards adopted by the State Board of Education. Information on this budget and the programs and services it provides is available from your local school district."

(11) Any reduction that may be required to be made to programs and services included in a district's prebudget year net budget in order for the district to limit the growth in its budget between the prebudget and budget years by its tax levy growth limitation as calculated pursuant to sections 3 and 4 of P.L.2007, c.62 (C.18A:7F-38 and 18A:7F-39), shall only include reductions to excessive administration or programs and services that are inefficient or ineffective.

e. (1) Any general fund tax levy rejected by the voters for a proposed budget that includes a general fund tax levy and equalization aid in excess of the adequacy budget shall be submitted to the governing body of each of the municipalities included within the district for determination of the amount that should be expended notwithstanding voter rejection. In the case of a district having a board of school estimate, other than a Type II district with a board of school estimate in which the annual election is in November, the general fund tax levy shall be submitted to the board for determination of the amount that should be expended. If the governing body or bodies or board of school estimate, as appropriate, reduce the district's proposed budget, the district may appeal any of the reductions to the commissioner on the grounds that the reductions will negatively impact on the stability of the district given the need for long term planning and budgeting. In considering the appeal, the commissioner shall consider enrollment increases or decreases within the district; the history of voter approval or rejection of district budgets; the impact on the local levy; and whether the reductions will impact on the ability of the district to fulfill its contractual obligations. A district may not appeal any reductions on the grounds that the amount is necessary for a thorough and efficient education.

(2) Any general fund tax levy rejected by the voters for a proposed budget that includes a general fund tax levy and equalization aid at or below the adequacy budget shall be submitted to the governing body of each of the municipalities included within the district for determination of the amount that should be expended notwithstanding voter rejection. In the case of a district having a board of school estimate, other than a Type II district with a board of school estimate in which the annual election is in November, the general fund tax levy shall be submitted to the board for determination. Any reductions may be appealed to the commissioner on the grounds that the amount is necessary for a thorough and efficient education or that the reductions will negatively impact on the stability of the district given the need for long term planning and budgeting. In considering the appeal, the commissioner shall also consider the factors outlined in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

In addition, the municipal governing body or board of school estimate shall be required to demonstrate clearly to the commissioner that the proposed budget reductions shall not adversely affect the ability of the school district to provide a thorough and efficient education or the stability of the district given the need for long term planning and budgeting.

(3) In lieu of any budget reduction appeal provided for pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, the State board may establish pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), an expedited budget review process based on a district's application to the commissioner for an order to restore a budget reduction.

(4) When the voters, municipal governing body or bodies, board of education in the case of a school district in which the annual school election has been moved to November pursuant to subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.2011, c.202 (C.19:60-1.1), or the board of school estimate authorize the general fund tax levy, the district shall submit the resulting budget to the commissioner within 15 days of the authorization.

f. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2007, c.260).

g. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2007, c.260).

(cf: P.L.2013, c.280, s.1)

17. Section 33 of P.L.1996, c.138 (C.18A:7F-33) is amended to read as follows:

33. Annually, on or before October 20, the secretary of the board of education, with approval of the superintendent of schools, or if there is no superintendent of schools, with the approval of the [executive county] regional superintendent of schools, shall file with the commissioner a report prescribed by the commissioner containing all data necessary to effectuate the aid provisions of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-43 et al.), which shall include but not be limited to, the number of pupils enrolled by grade, the number of these pupils classified as eligible for special education services and speech-only services, the number of pupils in approved programs for bilingual education, the number of at-risk pupils, the number of combination pupils, and the number of pupils in State facilities, county vocational schools, State college demonstration schools, evening schools, other public or private schools to which the district is paying tuition, or who are receiving home instruction on the last school day prior to October 16. In addition, districts shall file annual reports providing such information as the commissioner may require for pupils receiving special education services.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.260, s.34)

18. Section 2 of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-44) is amended to read as follows:

2. The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. The Constitution of the State of New Jersey states that the Legislature shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of free public schools for the instruction of all children in the State between the ages of five and eighteen years. (N.J. Const. art. VIII, sec. 4, par.1).

b. The State, in addition to any constitutional mandates, has a moral obligation to ensure that New Jersey's children, wherever they reside, are provided the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. Any school funding formula should provide resources in a manner that optimizes the likelihood that children will receive an education that will make them productive members of society.

c. Although the Supreme Court of New Jersey has held that prior school funding statutes did not establish a system of public education that was thorough and efficient as to certain districts, the Court has consistently held that the Legislature has the responsibility to substantively define what constitutes a thorough and efficient system of education responsive to that constitutional requirement.

d. Every child in New Jersey must have an opportunity for an education based on academic standards that satisfy constitutional requirements regardless of where the child resides, and public funds allocated to this purpose must be expended to support schools that are thorough and efficient in delivering those educational standards. In turn, school districts must be assured the financial support necessary to provide those constitutionally compelled educational standards. Any school funding formula should provide State aid for every school district based on the characteristics of the student population and up-to-date measures of the individual district's ability to pay.

e. New Jersey's current public school funding formula, established under the provisions of the "Comprehensive Educational Improvement and Financing Act of 1996," (CEIFA) P.L.1996, c.138, has not been used to calculate State aid for public schools since the 2001-02 school year. Any new school funding formula should account for changes in enrollment and other significant developments, providing relief to those districts that have experienced substantial enrollment increases.

f. The decisions in the Abbott cases have resulted in frequent litigation and a fragmented system of funding under which limited resources cannot be distributed equitably to all districts where at-risk children reside, instead dividing the districts sharply into Abbott and non-Abbott categories for funding purposes without regard to a district's particular pupil characteristics and leading to needlessly adversarial relationships among school districts and between districts and the State.

g. In the absence of a clear, unitary, enforceable statutory formula to govern appropriations for education, crucial funding decisions are made annually, in competition for limited State resources with other needs and requirements as part of the annual budget negotiation process, utilizing many different classes and categories of aid, leading to an uncertain, unpredictable, and untenable funding situation for the State and school districts alike.

h. This act represents the culmination of five years of diligent efforts by both the Executive and Legislative branches of State government to develop an equitable and predictable way to distribute State aid that addresses the deficiencies found in past formulas as identified by the Supreme Court. Working together toward this common goal, the Department of Education and the Legislature engaged nationally recognized experts in education funding and provided significant opportunities for stakeholder involvement and public input to assist in formulating and refining a comprehensive school funding model that has been validated by experts. The formula accounts for the individual characteristics of school districts and the realities of their surroundings, including the need for additional resources to address the increased disadvantages created by high concentrations of children at-risk.

i. The formula established under this act is the product of a careful and deliberative process that first involved determining the educational inputs necessary to provide a high-quality education, including specifically addressing the supplemental needs of at-risk students and those with limited English proficiency (LEP), and a determination of the actual cost of providing those programs. The formula provides adequate funding that is realistically geared to the core curriculum content standards, thus linking those standards to the actual funding needed to deliver that content.

j. In recognition of the unique problems and cost disadvantages faced by districts with high concentrations of at-risk students, it is appropriate to reflect in the formula a greater weight as the district's proportion of at-risk students increases. In addition, the new formula recognizes the disadvantages of an expanded group of students by including in the definition of at-risk those students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Expanding the definition of at-risk students in this manner will significantly increase the resources flowing to districts with high concentrations of these low-income students.

k. In light of the demonstrable, beneficial results and success of the current Abbott preschool program, it is appropriate to build upon this success by incorporating in the formula an expanded high-quality preschool program for all children who qualify for free and reduced price meals in all districts. It is appropriate for the formula to acknowledge that at-risk children do not always receive the same educational exposure at an early age as their peers and to provide the additional resources necessary through high-quality preschool to prepare every child to learn and succeed.

l. It is appropriate to reflect in this formula the inherent value of educating a child in the least restrictive environment and, whenever possible, in that child's neighborhood school alongside his peers. The new funding formula should provide incentives for keeping classified students in district.

m. It is also appropriate to recognize in the formula the need for all schools to incorporate effective security measures, which may vary from district to district depending upon the at-risk student population and other factors, and to provide categorical funding to address these important requirements.

n. In recognition of the potentially wide variability in special education costs, even for the same category of disability, from district to district, it is appropriate for the new funding formula to mitigate the impact of that variability by establishing a census model based on the actual Statewide average excess cost of educating special education students and by providing for an increase in State aid for extraordinary costs incurred by districts.

o. It is imperative that any new school funding formula work in conjunction with the key school accountability measures that have been enacted in recent years to promote greater oversight, transparency, and efficiency in the delivery of educational services. These accountability measures include the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum, the "School District Fiscal Accountability Act," P.L.2006, c.15 (C.18A:7A-54 et seq.), P.L.2007, c.63 (C.40A:65-1 et al.) which established the duties and responsibilities of the [executive county] regional superintendent of schools, and P.L.2007, c.53 (C.18A:55-3 et al.).

p. Together with a renewed legislative focus on and commitment to providing sufficient means to maintain and support a high-quality system of free public schools in the State, a new funding formula supported by significantly increased State resources will ensure compliance with all statutory and constitutional mandates. Districts that were formerly designated as Abbott districts will be provided sufficient resources to continue those Court-identified programs, positions, and services that have proven effective while being provided the flexibility to shift resources and programmatic focus based on the needs of their students and current research.

q. The time has come for the State to resolve the question of the level of funding required to provide a thorough and efficient system of education for all New Jersey school children. The development and implementation of an equitable and adequate school funding formula will not only ensure that the State's students have access to a constitutional education as defined by the core curriculum content standards, but also may help to reduce property taxes and assist communities in planning to meet their educational expenses. The development of a predictable, transparent school funding formula is essential for school districts to plan effectively and deliver the quality education that our citizens expect and our Constitution requires.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.260, s.2)

19. N.J.S.18A:8-3 is amended to read as follows:

18A:8-3. The first board of education of the new school district shall consist of nine persons, who are legal residents of the district possessing the qualifications requisite for board membership in other school districts, except the two-year residence requirement, which shall not be effective until the fourth annual school election of the newly created district. They shall be appointed by the [county] regional superintendent as soon after the creation of the new municipality as possible, and they shall continue in office until the qualification in office of their successors, who shall be elected at the ensuing annual school election for terms to be so arranged by the appointed board that, as soon as possible, the term of each member of the board shall be three years and the terms of three members shall expire in each year.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:8-3)

20. N.J.S.18A:8-5 is amended to read as follows:

18A:8-5. The governing body of any such municipality may, by resolution, apply to the [county] regional superintendent to make an investigation as to the advisability of constituting that municipality a separate school district.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:8-5)

21. N.J.S.18A:8-6 is amended to read as follows:

18A:8-6. The [county] regional superintendent shall, within 30 days after such request, file with the governing bodies of all of such municipalities and the board of education of the school district a report containing such financial, educational and other information as he may deem necessary to enable said governing bodies and board of education to form an intelligent judgment as to the advisability of the proposed separation and the effect thereof upon the educational and financial condition of the new district and the remaining district and setting forth the amount of indebtedness, if any, to be assumed by the new and remaining districts calculated as hereinafter provided.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:8-6)

22. N.J.S.18A:8-9 is amended to read as follows:

18A:8-9. The governing body of the applying municipality may, within 30 days after the filing of the report, petition the commissioner for permission to submit to the legal voters of the municipality the question whether or not the municipality shall be constituted a separate school district, and in such petition may request any specific reduction or increase in the amount of indebtedness to be assumed. Proof of the service of a copy of the petition upon each municipality in the original school district, the board of education thereof, and the [county] regional superintendent, prior to the filing of the petition, shall accompany the petition.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:8-9)

23. N.J.S.18A:8-10 is amended to read as follows:

18A:8-10. The governing body of any other municipality in the school district and the board of education thereof shall, within 15 days after service of a copy of the petition upon it, file an answer thereto with the commissioner and serve a copy of such answer upon every other municipality included in the original district, the board of education thereof and the [county] regional superintendent.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:8-10)

24. N.J.S.18A:8-14 is amended to read as follows:

18A:8-14. If the application be granted, the [county] regional superintendent shall, within 30 days thereafter, fix a day, between the first day of April next ensuing and the first day of December next occurring after said first day of April, and a time on said day for holding a special school election, at which time the question whether or not the municipality shall be constituted a separate school district shall be submitted to the legal voters of the municipality.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:8-14)

25. N.J.S.18A:8-15 is amended to read as follows:

18A:8-15. The amount of indebtedness to be assumed by the proposed new district and the effect of such indebtedness upon the borrowing margin of the municipality and the proposed new district shall be stated in the notices and advertisements of the special school election and in the ballots to be used therein, and said election shall be conducted and the results thereof determined in the manner prescribed by law for special school elections in type II districts. The result shall be certified within five days after the holding of the election to the [county] regional superintendent and the board of education.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:8-15)

26. N.J.S.18A:8-18 is amended to read as follows:

18A:8-18. The members of the board of education of the original district shall continue in office as members of such district until the creation of the new district and the members of said board who reside in the new district shall also be members of the first board of education of the new district and those who do not reside therein shall also be members of the first board of education of the remaining district. They shall continue to serve as members of the board of education of the new and remaining districts respectively until the expiration of the respective terms for which they were elected as members of the board of education of the original district. Such number of additional members of the first board of education of the new district and of the remaining district as shall be required to complete full membership thereof, shall be appointed by the [county] regional superintendent and their successors shall be elected at school elections of the districts, which shall be held at the same time as that on which the annual election of the original district would have been held in the next school year. The elected members of said boards shall take office at the organization meeting succeeding their election and the appointed members shall continue in office until said date.

(cf: P.L.1987, c.289, s.1)

27. N.J.S.18A:8-24 is amended to read as follows:

18A:8-24. The [county] regional superintendent in a written report filed by him at the end of the school year preceding that in which the new district is created shall make a division of the assets, except school buildings, grounds, furnishings and equipment, and of the liabilities, other than the bonded indebtedness of the original district, between the new district and the remaining district on the basis of the amount of the ratables in the respective districts on which the last school tax was levied, and in determining the amount of assets to be divided, he shall take into account the present value of the school books, supplies, fuel, motor vehicles and all personal property other than furnishings and equipment. In the case of any vehicle used for the transportation of school children, the original cost of the vehicle, less any state aid appropriated therefor, shall be deemed to be the present value.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:8-24)

28. N.J.S.18A:8-29 is amended to read as follows:

18A:8-29. The membership of the board shall, except as otherwise provided by this chapter, be apportioned by the [county] regional superintendent or [county] regional superintendents among the several consolidating school districts as nearly as may be according to the number of their inhabitants, as shown by the last published federal census report, but each district shall have at least one member. The apportionment of membership shall continue until changed by reapportionment by the [county] regional superintendent or [county] regional superintendents, which shall be made, when required, immediately succeeding each published federal census report, but the members of the board in office at the time of any reapportionment shall continue in office for their unexpired terms.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:8-29)

29. N.J.S.18A:8-30 is amended to read as follows:

18A:8-30. The membership of the board of any consolidated school district heretofore created, in which such membership has not been determined by apportionment, shall be selected as heretofore, but in any such district there may be adopted the apportionment provisions of this chapter at any annual school election by approval of a majority of the votes cast on such proposition.

The proposition shall be placed on the ballots to be used at such election whenever a petition requesting the submission of such proposition, signed by not less than five per cent of the registered voters of the consolidated district, shall have been filed with the secretary at least 20 days prior to the date fixed for the holding thereof.

If such proposition shall be adopted, the [county] regional superintendent or [county] regional superintendents of the [county] region or [counties] regions, in which the district is situate, shall apportion the membership of the board of the consolidated district in accordance with this chapter, beginning with the next annual election, and as the terms of the respective members of the board in office shall expire, and thereafter the members of said board shall be elected accordingly.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:8-30)

30. N.J.S.18A:8-35 is amended to read as follows:

18A:8-35. The schools under each consolidated board of education shall be under the supervision of the [county] regional superintendent of the [county] region including the constituent district or districts having the larger or largest amount of ratables, as ascertained from the last published report of the director of the division of taxation in the department of the treasury.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:8-35)

31. Section 2 of P.L.2009, c.78 (C.18A:8-44) is amended to read as follows:

2. a. Except as otherwise provided in subsection b. of this section, the [executive county] regional superintendent of schools shall eliminate any non-operating district and merge that district with the district with which it participates in a sending-receiving relationship.

b. If a non-operating district is in a sending-receiving relationship with more than one district or is in a sending-receiving relationship with a district in need of improvement pursuant to the "No Child Left Behind Act of 2001," Pub.L.107-110, then the [executive county] regional superintendent shall determine with which district the non-operating district shall be merged. The determination shall be based on the district that is able to accommodate the merger with the least disruption to its finances and educational operations. In making the determination the [executive county] regional superintendent shall examine, but need not be limited to, the following factors: current sending-receiving relationships; the quality and effectiveness of educational programming and district operations; proximity of school districts; transportation costs; school building capacity; and special education needs.

(cf: P.L.2009, c.78, s.2)

32. Section 5 of P.L.2009, c.78 (C.18A:8-47) is amended to read as follows:

5. a. If the district with which the non-operating district is merged is a Type II district without a board of school estimate, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the new district established pursuant to section 2 of this act shall have a board of education with the same number of members as the board of education of the district with which the non-operating district has been merged. The members of the board of education of the district with which the non-operating district has been merged shall continue in office as members of the first board of education of the new district until the expiration of the respective terms for which they were elected.

In any year in which the term of a member of the board of education of the new district expires, his successor shall be elected at-large by the voters of the new district.

The [executive county] regional superintendent shall, not later than 30 days after the merger of the districts, appoint one member of the board of education of the former non-operating district to the board of the new district, who shall serve until the first Monday succeeding the first annual school election in which a member of the board of education of the new district is elected at-large; except that if the former non-operating district had representation on the board of education of the district with which it has been merged pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1995, c.8 (C.18A:38-8.2), then that representative shall be the person appointed by the [executive county] regional superintendent. The member appointed by the [executive county] regional superintendent shall be a voting member of the board.

b. If the district with which the non-operating district is merged is a Type I district, the new district shall have a board of education with the same number of members as the board of education of the district with which the non-operating district has been merged plus one additional member. The mayor or other chief executive officer of the municipality in which the former non-operating district is located shall appoint the one additional member.

c. If the district with which the non-operating district is merged is a regional district, the former non-operating district shall be treated as a constituent district of the regional district and the membership of the board of education of the new district shall be in accordance with the provisions of chapter 13 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.

(cf: P.L.2009, c.78, s.5)

33. Section 9 of P.L.2009, c.78 (C.18A:8-51) is amended to read as follows:

9. Nothing in this act shall be construed to prohibit [an executive county] a regional superintendent from including a former non-operating district in the consolidation plan submitted by the [executive county] regional superintendent to the commissioner pursuant to [subsection h. of N.J.S.18A:7-8] law.

(cf: P.L.2009, c.78, s.9)

34. N.J.S.18A:10-7 is amended to read as follows:

18A:10-7. The boards of education of each [county] region shall meet together semiannually at times and places fixed by the [county] regional superintendent.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:10-7)

35. N.J.S.18A:12-15 is amended to read as follows:

18A:12-15. Vacancies in the membership of the board shall be filled as follows:

a. By the [county] regional superintendent, if the vacancy is caused by the absence of candidates for election to the school board or by the removal of a member because of lack of qualifications, or is not filled within 65 days following its occurrence;

b. By the [county] regional superintendent, to a number sufficient to make up a quorum of the board if, by reason of vacancies, a quorum is lacking;

c. By special election, if in the annual school election two or more candidates qualified by law for membership on the school board receive an equal number of votes. Such special election shall be held only upon recount and certification by the county board of elections of such election result, shall be restricted to such candidates, shall be held within 60 days of the annual school election, and shall be conducted in accordance with procedures for annual and special school elections set forth in Title 19 of the Revised Statutes. The vacancy shall be filled by the [county] regional superintendent if in such special election two or more candidates qualified by law for membership on the school board receive an equal number of votes;

d. By special election if there is a failure to elect a member at the annual school election due to improper election procedures. Such special election shall be restricted to those persons who were candidates at such annual school election, shall be held within 60 days of such annual school election, and shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures for annual and special school elections set forth in Title 19 of the Revised Statutes;

e. By the commissioner if there is a failure to elect a member at the annual school election due to improper campaign practices; or

f. By a majority vote of the remaining members of the board after the vacancy occurs in all other cases.

Each member so appointed shall serve until the organizational meeting following the next annual election unless the member is appointed to fill a vacancy occurring within the 60 days immediately preceding such election if the annual election is held in April, or occurring after the third Monday in July if the election is held in November, to fill a term extending beyond such election, in which case the member shall serve until the organizational meeting following the second annual election next succeeding the occurrence of the vacancy, and any vacancy for the remainder of the term shall be filled at the annual election or the second annual election next succeeding the occurrence of the vacancy, as the case may be.

(cf: P.L.2013, c.172, s.2)

36. N.J.S.18A:13-4 is amended to read as follows:

18A:13-4. Each regional school district shall be under the supervision of the [county] regional superintendent of the [county] region in which the constituent districts having the greatest amount of ratables are situate.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:13-4)

37. N.J.S.18A:13-8 is amended to read as follows:

18A:13-8. The board of education of a regional district shall consist of nine members unless it consists of more than nine constituent districts, in which case the membership shall be the same as the number of constituent districts, plus one. If there are nine or less constituent districts, the members of the board of education of the regional district shall be apportioned by the [executive county] regional superintendent or [executive county] regional superintendents of the [county] region or [counties] regions in which the constituent districts are situate, among said districts as nearly as may be according to the number of their inhabitants except that each constituent district shall have at least one member.

In making the apportionment of the membership of a regional board of education among the several school districts uniting to create a regional school district having nine or less constituent districts, as required by section 18A:13-36, there shall be subtracted from the number of inhabitants of a constituent school district, as shown by the last federal census officially promulgated in this State, the number of such inhabitants who according to the records of the Federal Bureau of the Census were patients in, or inmates of, any State or federal hospital or prison, or who are military personnel stationed at, or civilians residing within the limits of, any United States Army, Navy or Air Force installation, located in such constituent school district.

If there are more than nine constituent districts, the members on the board shall be apportioned among the constituent districts and the weight of their votes in all proceedings of the board shall be determined by the appropriate [executive county] regional superintendent or superintendents through the following procedure:

a. The number of inhabitants of each constituent district shall be determined as shown by the last federal census officially promulgated in this State.

b. A representative ratio shall be calculated by adding the number of inhabitants of all constituent districts and dividing the sum by the board size.

c. All constituent districts shall be listed in ascending order of their number of inhabitants. If the first constituent district in said list has a number of inhabitants which is less than the representative ratio, it shall be combined with the constituent district contiguous to it having the smallest number of inhabitants. This process shall be repeated for each successively larger constituent district or combination of constituent districts until all remaining constituent districts or combinations of constituent districts shall have a number of inhabitants equal to, or exceeding the representative ratio. The districts formed in this manner shall be known as representative districts.

d. There shall be established a priority list according to the method of equal proportions for the apportionment of the members of the regional district board of education among the representative districts.

e. The members of the regional district board of education shall be apportioned among the representative districts according to the method of equal proportions, and where a representative district is composed of more than one constituent district, members shall be elected at large from within the representative district.

f. The number of inhabitants of each representative district shall be divided by the number of members assigned to that district to find the number of inhabitants per member.

g. The vote to be cast by each member of the regional district board of education in all proceedings of the board shall be determined by dividing the number of inhabitants per member in the representative district from which the member is elected by the representative ratio for the regional district, and rounding off the quotient to the nearest tenth of a full vote.

Wherever any statute or bylaw of the board requires decision in any matter by vote of a majority of the board members, or of the members present, this shall be interpreted as meaning a majority of the weighted votes of all members, or of the members present, as the case may be.

h. Whenever the above reapportionment procedure is used for a regional district having more than nine constituent districts, the terms of office of all incumbent board of education members shall terminate on the day on which the annual organization meeting of the board is held pursuant to N.J.S.18A:13-12 following certification by the [executive county] regional superintendent of the representative districts and the number of members to be elected from each; provided, that if the reapportionment results in any representative district retaining its former boundaries and the same number of board members, that the members elected from such a district shall serve the full term for which they were elected. All other board members shall be elected in an election to be held on the date of the annual school election at least 60 days following certification by the [executive county] regional superintendent for initial terms of office to be designated in advance by the [executive county] regional superintendent so that, as nearly as possible, one-third of the board shall be elected in each future year, to serve for three-year terms, and where a representative district has more than one member, their terms of office shall terminate in different years.

If any constituent district is a consolidated district, or a district composed of two or more municipalities, and

a. The original district is a limited purpose regional district and such constituent district has such population that it is entitled to have apportioned to it a number of members equal to or greater than the number of districts making up such constituent district, or

b. The regional district is an all purpose district, the membership of the regional board of education from such district shall be apportioned, and from time to time reapportioned, and the members from the district shall be elected, as their respective terms expire, in the same manner as though each of the municipalities making up such constituent district were constituent districts of the regional district.

(cf: P.L.2011, c.202, s.8)

38. N.J.S.18A:13-9 is amended to read as follows:

18A:13-9. Each apportionment shall continue in effect unless and until a reapportionment shall become necessary by reason of the official promulgation of the next Federal census or the enlargement of the regional district by the admission of one or more local districts. In any such case, immediately after the official promulgation of said census or the certification of a favorable result of the election for enlargement of the regional district the [county] regional superintendent or [county] regional superintendents of the [county] region or [counties] regions in which the constituent districts are situate shall reapportion the members accordingly but all members shall continue in office for the terms for which they were elected or appointed notwithstanding any reapportionment. If any constituent district shall become entitled to increased representation on the board the additional members shall be elected at the next annual school election of the regional district. If, as a result of such reapportionment, a disproportionate number of the total representatives of any one constituent district to a regional board are to be elected at a single annual school election, the commissioner shall have the power, on petition of a constituent district board of education, to alter the term of any member representing such constituent district by not more than 1 year, so as to temporarily apportion, as equally as possible over any given 3-year period, the election of the members representing such constituent district.

(cf: P.L.1977, c.327, s.1)

39. N.J.S.18A:13-12 is amended to read as follows:

18A:13-12. The board shall hold a regular meeting forthwith after its first appointment, and annually thereafter on any day of the first or second week following the annual school election in April, at which it shall organize by the election, from among its members, of a president and vice president, who shall serve until the organization meeting next succeeding the election of their respective successors as members of the board. In the case of a regional district in which the annual school election is in November, the organization meeting shall be held on any day of the first week in January. If any board shall fail to organize within the designated period, the [executive county] regional superintendent of the [county] region, or the [executive county] regional superintendents of the [counties] regions, in which the constituent districts are situate, shall appoint, from among the members of the board, a president and vice president to serve until the organization meeting next succeeding the next election.

(cf: P.L.2011, c.202, s.10)

40. N.J.S.18A:13-33 is amended to read as follows:

18A:13-33. Whenever the board of education of a regional district and the commissioner or his representative, shall, after consultation, study and investigation, determine that it is advisable to add to the purposes for which the regional district was created, one or more of the purposes for which such a district may be created as provided in this chapter, the regional board shall by resolution frame and adopt a proposal to that effect and submit to the voters of the regional district at any school election held therein, the question, whether or not said proposal shall be approved, briefly describing the contents thereof and stating the date of its adoption by the regional board of education, and if, at said election, said proposal is adopted by a majority of the votes cast thereon in the regional district, the secretary of the regional district shall certify to the [county] regional superintendent of each [county] region in which any of the constituent districts of the regional district is situate, and to the commissioner, the result of said election and thereafter the regional board of education shall be authorized to carry out such additional purpose or purposes.

If the proposal to add additional purposes will convert the regional district from a limited purpose regional district to an all purpose regional district, the proposal shall be submitted to the voters of each of the constituent districts of the regional district instead of at large to the voters of the regional district.

If the boards of education of a regional district, and of each local district, proposing to join therewith to enlarge said regional district, and the commissioner or his representative, shall, after consultation, study and investigation, determine by resolution so to add to the purpose or purposes of the regional district, the authorization of the adoption of such additional purpose or purposes shall be included by resolution in the proposal to enlarge said regional district and shall be so submitted to the voters of the regional district and of each proposed new constituent district at the election to be held in relation to the enlargement of said regional district.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:13-33)

41. N.J.S.18A:13-35 is amended to read as follows:

18A:13-35. The secretary of each local district, so proposed to be included in the proposed regional district, shall certify to the [county] regional superintendent of the [county,] region in which such district is situate, within 5 days after such election, the results of the election held therein for the creation of a regional district, showing the number of votes cast for, and the number cast against, the adoption of the proposal to create such a regional district submitted therein, in each municipality in his district and each [county] regional superintendent of a [county,] region in which any such municipality or municipalities are situate, shall canvass the vote cast in each such municipality and if such [county] regional superintendent or superintendents shall determine from such certificates that a majority of the votes cast for and against the proposal submitted at said election were cast for its adoption in a consolidated district or in each such municipality other than a constituent of a consolidated district, he or they shall immediately certify to the board of education of each such local district, the result of such vote as so determined and the regional school district shall be created and any other provisions included in such proposal in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall become effective on the twentieth day following the day of such election.

(cf: P.L.1968, c.240, s.2)

42. N.J.S.18A:13-36 is amended to read as follows:

18A:13-36. The [county] regional superintendent or [county] regional superintendents of any [county] region or [counties,] regions in which such newly created regional district is situate, shall calculate and apportion the membership of the board of education of such newly created regional district in accordance with the provisions of section 18A:13-8 and if such regional district is an all purpose regional district such membership shall be apportioned among the municipalities included within the districts according to the number of their inhabitants, as apportionment is made among constituent districts forming a limited purpose regional district, and the members shall be elected or appointed in accordance with such apportionment.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:13-36)

43. N.J.S.18A:13-37 is amended to read as follows:

18A:13-37. The [county] regional superintendent of each [county] region in which there is located any constituent district of a newly created regional district shall appoint from among the citizens of each constituent district in his [county] region , qualified as required by sections 18A:12-1 and 18A:13-7 of this title, the number of members of the board of education of the regional district requisite to represent such constituent district and all of the members so appointed shall constitute the first board of education of the regional district.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:13-37)

44. N.J.S.18A:13-38 is amended to read as follows:

18A:13-38. The [county] regional superintendent or [county] regional superintendents appointing the first board of education of a regional district shall allocate the initial elective terms for the first elective members of said board in the following manner:

(1) In regional districts having nine members, three members shall be elected for three years, three for two years and three for one year, which terms shall be allocated to the constituent districts to the extent of apportioned membership on the regional board of education, starting with the allocation of the terms of three years, by allocating one of such terms to each of the constituent districts in the alphabetical order of the names of such districts, and continuing then still in such order with allocation of the terms of two years and with allocation of the terms of one year.

(2) In regional districts in which there are more than nine constituent school districts, the allocation for the tenth district shall be a term of three years, for the eleventh district a term of two years, and for the twelfth district a term of one year, with continuation of such rotation until provision has been made for allocation of the terms to all districts.

In any regional district in which the constituent districts have been or will be dissolved, said allocation shall be made among the municipalities included within the regional district in the manner hereinbefore provided for allocation among the constituent districts.

The [county] regional superintendent or [county] regional superintendents shall notify the board, when it shall have been organized, of the allocation of initial elective terms for its members as so made.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:13-38)

45. N.J.S.18A:13-44 is amended to read as follows:

18A:13-44. The secretary of the regional district and of each local district, which is included in the proposal to enlarge the regional district, shall certify to the [county] regional superintendent of the [county] region in which such district is situate, within five days after such election, the result of the election in his district showing the number of votes cast for, and the number cast against, the adoption of such proposal and such [county] regional superintendent or [county] regional superintendents shall canvass the vote and if he or they shall determine from such certificates that such proposal was adopted in the regional school district and in each proposed constituent district, he or they shall notify the board of education of the regional district and of each proposed constituent district, and the commissioner, accordingly and the enlargement of the regional district, by the admission thereto of the proposed constituent district or districts, and any other provisions included in such proposal in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall become effective on the twentieth day following the day of said election.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:13-44)

46. N.J.S.18A:13-46 is amended to read as follows:

18A:13-46. The [executive county] regional superintendent of the [county] region in which any new constituent district of an enlarged regional district shall be situate shall, not later than 30 days after the election for the enlargement thereof, appoint one member of the enlarged board of education of the regional district from among the qualified citizens of each such new constituent district and the members so appointed shall serve until the first Monday succeeding the first annual April school election of the enlarged regional district and their successors shall be elected at said election. In the case of a regional district in which the annual school election is in November, the members so appointed shall serve until the first week in January next succeeding the first annual November school election of the enlarged regional district and their successors shall be elected at that election. If by reason of the enlargement of the district it becomes necessary to reapportion the membership of the enlarged board of education the [executive county] regional superintendent or superintendents of the [county] region or [counties] regions in which the constituent local districts of the enlarged district are situate shall reapportion the membership of the enlarged board of education in accordance with the provisions of sections 18A:13-8 and 18A:13-36, and at the same time shall designate the number of members to be elected from each constituent school district at the succeeding annual school election to be held therein upon the expiration of the terms of office of the members of the regional board then in office, in such manner that the representation of the constituent districts shall be established in accordance with such reapportionment at the earliest possible time but the members then in office shall continue in office for the terms for which they were elected or appointed notwithstanding such reapportionment.

(cf: P.L.2011, c.202, s.16)

47. Section 1 of P.L.1975, c.360 (C.18A:13-51) is amended to read as follows:

1. The board of education of any local school district constituting part of a limited purpose regional school district or the governing body of the municipality constituting a constituent district may, by resolution, apply to the [county] regional superintendent of schools to make an investigation as to the advisability of withdrawal of such local district from the regional district.

A majority of the boards of education of the school districts which constitute a limited purpose regional school district and a majority of the governing bodies of the municipalities which constitute the constituent school districts of a limited purpose regional school district may, by separate resolutions, apply to the [county] regional superintendent of schools to make an investigation as to the advisability of the dissolution of the regional district.

Within 21 days following adoption of the resolution or resolutions required pursuant to this section, the [county] regional superintendent shall call a meeting of representatives of each constituent governing body, each board of education constituting part of the regional district, and the board of education of the regional district to review the procedures to be followed for the withdrawal from, or dissolution of, the limited purpose regional district. This meeting, however, may be called by the [county] regional superintendent prior to the adoption of the required resolutions.

(cf: P.L.1993, c.255, s.1)

48. Section 2 of P.L.1975, c.360 (C.18A:13-52) is amended to read as follows:

2. The [executive county] regional superintendent shall, within 60 days after such request, file with the governing bodies of the municipalities constituting the regional district and the boards of education of all of the constituent school districts and the board of education of the regional school district a report containing a statement of the current assets and operating expenses of the regional district for the then current year and such financial, educational and other information as he may deem necessary to enable said governing bodies and local boards of education and regional board of education to form an intelligent judgment as to the advisability of the proposed withdrawal or dissolution and the effect thereof upon the educational and financial condition of the withdrawing district and the regional district, or upon each of the constituent districts in the event of a dissolution and setting forth the amount of indebtedness, if any, to be assumed by the withdrawing and the regional districts, or by each constituent district in the event of a dissolution, calculated as hereinafter provided. The report, in discussing the educational and financial effect of the withdrawal or dissolution, shall include the effect thereof upon the administrative and operational efficiencies, and the resultant cost savings or cost increases, in the withdrawing and the regional districts, or by each constituent district in the event of a dissolution.

The [executive county] regional superintendent may require the constituent municipalities and school districts and the regional district to submit a feasibility study in order to determine the educational and financial impact of the withdrawal from, or dissolution of, the limited purpose regional district. In the event the [executive county] regional superintendent requests a feasibility study to be conducted, the [executive county] regional superintendent's report required pursuant to this section shall be filed within 60 days following submission of the feasibility study.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.63, s.52)

49. Section 3 of P.L.1975, c.360 (C.18A:13-53) is amended to read as follows:

3. The [county] regional superintendent shall calculate the amount of indebtedness relating to buildings, grounds, furnishings, equipment and additions thereto so to be assumed on the basis of the proportion which the replacement cost of the buildings, grounds, furnishings, equipment, and additions thereto of the regional district situated in the withdrawing district, or in each of the constituent districts in the event of a dissolution, bears to the replacement cost of the buildings, grounds, furnishings, equipment and additions thereto situated in the entire regional district. Said replacement cost shall be determined according to rules prescribed by the commissioner with the approval of the State board and in accordance with recognized accounting practices. The [county] regional superintendent shall also calculate the amount of all other indebtedness and unfunded liabilities to be so assumed on an equitable basis.

(cf: P.L.1993, c.255, s.3)

50. Section 4 of P.L.1975, c.360 (C.18A:13-54) is amended to read as follows:

4. The municipal governing body or the board of education of the withdrawing district or the municipal governing body and the board of education of each constituent district seeking dissolution may, within 30 days after the filing of the report by the [county] regional superintendent, petition the commissioner for permission to submit to the legal voters of the withdrawing district and the remaining districts within the regional district the question whether or not it shall so withdraw or in the event of a dissolution to submit to the legal voters of each constituent district whether the regional district shall dissolve. The board may request in the petition any specific reduction or increase in the amount of indebtedness to be assumed as set forth in the [county] regional superintendent's report. Proof of the service of a copy of the petition upon the municipal governing body and the board of education of each constituent district, the board of education of the regional district, and the [county] regional superintendent, prior to the filing of the petition, shall accompany the petition.

(cf: P.L.1993, c.255, s.4)

51. Section 5 of P.L.1975, c.360 (C.18A:13-55) is amended to read as follows:

5. The governing body of any municipality constituting a constituent district or the board of education of any such constituent district and the board of education of the regional district shall, within 15 days after service of a copy of the petition upon it, file an answer thereto with the commissioner and serve a copy of such answer upon the board of education of every other constituent district and of the regional district and the [county] regional superintendent. The answer shall set forth matters similar to those described in section 6 of this act.

(cf: P.L.1975, c.360, s.5)

52. Section 7 of P.L.1975, c.360 (C.18A:13-57) is amended to read as follows:

7. If the application be granted, the [county] regional superintendent shall, after conferring with the boards of education of the constituent districts, fix a day and a time on said day for holding a special school election, at which time the question whether or not the withdrawing school district shall withdraw from the regional district or whether the regional district shall be dissolved, whichever shall be applicable, shall be submitted to the legal voters of the withdrawing district and to the legal voters within the remainder of the regional district or to the legal voters of each of the constituent districts in the event of a dissolution.

(cf: P.L.1993, c.255, s.6)

53. Section 8 of P.L.1975, c.360 (C.18A:13-58) is amended to read as follows:

8. The amount of indebtedness to be assumed by the withdrawing district or by each of the constituent districts in the event of a dissolution and the effect of such indebtedness upon the borrowing margin of the municipality, the withdrawing district, the remaining districts, and the remaining municipalities within the regional district, or by each of the constituent districts and municipalities within the regional district in the event of a dissolution, shall be stated in the notices and advertisements of the special school election and in the ballots to be used therein, and said election shall be conducted and the results thereof determined in the manner prescribed by law for special school elections in type II districts. The result shall be certified within five days after the holding of the election to the [county] regional superintendent and to the boards of education of the withdrawing district, the regional district and the constituent districts within the regional district, or to the boards of education of each of the constituent districts in the event of a dissolution.

(cf: P.L.1993, c.255, s.7)

54. Section 10 of P.L.1975, c.360 (C.18A:13-60) is amended to read as follows:

10. The members of the board of education of the regional district shall continue in office until the withdrawal of the district or the dissolution of the regional district has become effective. When a withdrawal has taken effect, the terms of those members of the regional board who reside in the withdrawing district shall thereupon expire, and the vacancies so occurring shall be reapportioned among the remaining districts and filled by appointment by the [county] regional superintendent to serve until the next annual school election of the regional district, at which time their successors shall be elected in accordance with such reapportionment.

(cf: P.L.1993, c.255, s.9)

55. Section 11 of P.L.1975, c.360 (C.18A:13-61) is amended to read as follows:

11. The withdrawing district and the remaining districts, or each constituent district in the event of a dissolution, shall take title to and control of all school grounds and buildings, and the furnishings and equipment therein, other than those which had been rotated or shared among the regional schools, situated in their respective districts on the effective date of withdrawal or dissolution as established by the commissioner. The [county] regional superintendent shall allot a fair proportion of the shared or rotated furnishings and equipment to the withdrawing district or to each of the constituent districts in the event of a dissolution.

Upon the assumption of title, each board shall also assume such amount of the indebtedness of the original regional school district as shall have been determined by the board of review. In the event of a withdrawal, the withdrawing district shall pay to the regional board of education, at least five days before it becomes due, the amount of the principal and interest of the assumed indebtedness; such principal and interest shall be paid by the regional board, together with such amount due on its assumed indebtedness, at and when it becomes due and payable. In the event of a dissolution, the [county] regional superintendent and board of review, in determining the amount of indebtedness to be assumed by each constituent district, shall give due regard to the value of school buildings and grounds being conveyed to the constituent district in which those buildings and grounds are located.

(cf: P.L.1993, c.255, s.10)

56. Section 12 of P.L.1975, c.360 (C.18A:13-62) is amended to read as follows:

12. The [county] regional superintendent in a written report filed by him at the end of the school year preceding that in which the withdrawal or dissolution becomes effective shall make a division of the assets and liabilities between the withdrawing district and the regional district, or among the constituent districts in the event of a dissolution, in the same manner as provided in N.J.S.18A:8-24.

(cf: P.L.1993, c.255, s.11)

57. Section 13 of P.L.1975, c.360 (C.18A:13-63) is amended to read as follows:

13. If in the event of a withdrawal from the regional district as a result of the foregoing procedures a limited purpose regional school district shall be left with only one constituent local school district, such regional school district shall be dissolved upon the effective date of the withdrawal of the other constituent school districts, and such remaining constituent municipality shall thenceforth be constituted a separate local school district and governed by the laws applicable thereto. If all of the local districts withdraw from the regional district, such regional district shall be dissolved upon the effective date of the last withdrawal, and its assets and liabilities shall devolve upon the respective withdrawing districts in accordance with the division made by the [county] regional superintendent as provided in section 12 hereof.

Upon the effective date of a dissolution of a regional district each constituent municipality shall thenceforth be constituted a separate local school district and be governed by the laws applicable thereto, and its assets and liabilities shall devolve upon the respective constituent districts in accordance with the division made by the [county] regional superintendent as provided in
section 12 of P.L.1975, c.360 (C.18A:13-62).

(cf: P.L.1993, c.255, s.12)

58. Section 1 of P.L.1989, c.90 (C.18A:13-66) is amended to read as follows:

1. The governing body of any municipality constituting a part of an all purpose regional district may, by resolution, apply to the [county] regional superintendent of schools to investigate the advisability of the withdrawal of the municipality from the all purpose regional district.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.90, s.1)

59. Section 2 of P.L.1989, c.90 (C.18A:13-67) is amended to read as follows:

2. The [county] regional superintendent shall, within 60 days after the request, file with the governing bodies of the municipalities constituting the all purpose regional district and the board of education of the all purpose regional school district, a report containing a statement of the current assets and operating expenses of the all purpose regional district for the current year and any financial, educational and other information that he may deem necessary to enable the governing bodies and the regional board of education to form an intelligent judgment as to the advisability of the proposed withdrawal and its effect upon the educational and financial condition of the withdrawing municipality and the all purpose regional district and setting forth the amount of indebtedness, if any, to be assumed by the withdrawing municipality and the all purpose regional district, calculated as hereinafter provided.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.90, s.2)

60. Section 3 of P.L.1989, c.90 (C.18A:13-68) is amended to read as follows:

3. The [county] regional superintendent shall calculate the amount of indebtedness to be assumed on the basis of the proportion which the replacement cost of the buildings, grounds, furnishings, equipment, and additions thereto of the all purpose regional district situated in the withdrawing municipality bears to the replacement cost of the buildings, grounds, furnishings, equipment and additions thereto situated in the entire all purpose regional district. The replacement cost shall be determined according to rules prescribed by the Commissioner of Education with the approval of the State board and in accordance with recognized accounting practices.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.90, s.3)

61. Section 4 of P.L.1989, c.90 (C.18A:13-69) is amended to read as follows:

4. The governing body of the withdrawing municipality may, within 30 days after the filing of the report by the [county] regional superintendent, petition the commissioner for permission to submit to the legal voters of the withdrawing municipality and the remaining municipalities within the all purpose regional district the question whether or not it shall withdraw from the all purpose regional district, and in the petition the governing body may request any specific reduction or increase in the amount of indebtedness to be assumed as set forth in the [county] regional superintendent's report. Proof of the service of a copy of the petition upon the municipal governing body of each constituent municipality, the board of education of the all purpose regional district, and the [county] regional superintendent, prior to the filing of the petition, shall accompany the petition.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.90, s.4)

62. Section 5 of P.L.1989, c.90 (C.18A:13-70) is amended to read as follows:

5. The governing body of any constituent municipality of the all purpose regional district and the board of education of the all purpose regional district shall, within 15 days after service of a copy of the petition upon it, file an answer to the petition with the commissioner and serve a copy of the answer upon the governing body of every other constituent municipality and upon the board of education of the all purpose regional district and the [county] regional superintendent. The answer shall set forth matters similar to those described in section 6 of this act.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.90, s.5)

63. Section 7 of P.L.1989, c.90 (C.18A:13-72) is amended to read as follows:

7. If the application is granted, the [county] regional superintendent shall, after conferring with the governing bodies of the constituent municipalities of the regional district, fix a day and a time for holding a special school election, at which time the question whether or not the withdrawing municipality shall withdraw from the all purpose regional district shall be submitted to the legal voters of the withdrawing municipality and to the legal voters within the remainder of the all purpose regional district.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.90, s.7)

64. Section 8 of P.L.1989, c.90 (C.18A:13-73) is amended to read as follows:

8. The amount of indebtedness to be assumed by the withdrawing municipality and the effect of the indebtedness upon the borrowing margin of the municipality and the remaining municipalities within the all purpose regional district shall be stated in the notices and advertisements of the special school election and in the ballots to be used therein, and the election shall be conducted and the results of the election shall be determined in the manner prescribed by law for special school elections in type II districts. The result shall be certified within five days after the holding of the election to the [county] regional superintendent, the governing bodies of the withdrawing municipality and the constituent municipalities of the all purpose regional district, and the board of education of the all purpose regional district.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.90, s.8)

65. Section 10 of P.L.1989, c.90 (C.18A:13-75) is amended to read as follows:

10. The members of the board of education of the all purpose regional district shall continue in office until the withdrawal of the municipality becomes effective. When the withdrawal takes effect, the terms of those members of the regional board who reside in the withdrawing municipality shall expire, and the vacancies occurring shall be reapportioned among the remaining municipalities and filled by appointment by the [county] regional superintendent to serve until the next annual school election of the all purpose regional district, at which time their successors shall be elected in accordance with the reapportionment.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.90, s.10)

66. Section 11 of P.L.1989, c.90 (C.18A:13-76) is amended to read as follows:

11. The members of the regional board who reside in the withdrawing municipality shall be members of the first board of education of the new district. They shall continue to serve as members of the board of education of the new district until the expiration of the respective terms for which they were elected as members of the board of education of the all purpose regional district. The number of additional members of the first board of education required to complete full membership of the board shall be appointed by the [county] regional superintendent to serve until the next annual school election or, in the case of a type I district, until the next annual appointment period of the new district, at which time their successors shall be elected or appointed.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.90, s.11)

67. Section 12 of P.L.1989, c.90 (C.18A:13-77) is amended to read as follows:

12. The new district and the all purpose regional district shall take title to and control of all school grounds and buildings, and the furnishings and equipment therein, other than those which had been rotated or shared among the regional schools, situated in their respective districts on the effective date of withdrawal as established by the commissioner. The [county] regional superintendent shall allot a fair proportion of the shared or rotated furnishings and equipment to the new district.

Upon the assumption of title, each board shall also assume the amount of the indebtedness of the original all purpose regional district as determined by the board of review. The new district shall pay to the regional board of education, at least five days before it becomes due, the amount of the principal and interest of the assumed indebtedness. The principal and interest shall be paid by the regional board, together with the amount due on its assumed indebtedness, as and when it becomes due and payable.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.90, s.12)

68. Section 13 of P.L.1989, c.90 (C.18A:13-78) is amended to read as follows:

13. The [county] regional superintendent in a written report filed by him at the end of the school year preceding that in which the withdrawal becomes effective shall make a division of the assets and liabilities between the new district and the remaining district in the same manner as provided in N.J.S.18A:8-24.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.90, s.13)

69. Section 14 of P.L.1989, c.90 (C.18A:13-79) is amended to read as follows:

14. If as a result of the foregoing procedures an all purpose regional district is left with only one constituent municipality, the all purpose regional district shall be dissolved upon the effective date of the withdrawal of the other constituent municipalities, and the remaining constituent municipality shall thenceforth be constituted a separate local school district and governed by the laws applicable thereto. If all of the municipalities withdraw from the all purpose regional district, the all purpose regional district shall be dissolved upon the effective date of the last withdrawal, and its assets and liabilities shall devolve upon the respective withdrawing municipalities in accordance with the division made by the [county] regional superintendent as provided in section 13 of this act.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.90, s.14)

70. N.J.S.18A:15-1 is amended to read as follows:

18A:15-1. At its first regular meeting each board shall organize by electing one of its members as president and another as vice president, who shall serve for one year and until their respective successors are elected and shall qualify, but if the board shall fail to hold said meeting or to elect said officers, as prescribed by this law, the [county] regional superintendent shall appoint from among the members of the board a president and vice president.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:15-1)

71. N.J.S.18A:15-2 is amended to read as follows:

18A:15-2. A president or vice president of a board of education who shall refuse to perform a duty imposed upon him by this law may be removed by a majority vote of all of the members of the board, and in case the office of president or vice president shall become vacant the board shall, within 30 days thereafter fill the vacancy for the unexpired term. If the board shall fail to fill the vacancy within such time, the [county] regional superintendent shall fill the vacancy for the unexpired them.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:15-2)

72. N.J.S.18A:17-5 is amended to read as follows:

18A:17-5. Each secretary shall be appointed by the board, by a recorded roll call majority vote of its full membership, for a term to expire not later than June 30 , or January 15 in the case of a school district in which the annual school election is in November, of the calendar year next succeeding that in which the board shall have been organized, but he shall continue to serve after the expiration of his term until his successor is appointed and qualified. The secretary may be appointed from among the members of the board and, subject to the provisions of this Title and any other law, the board shall fix his compensation; provided, however, that the secretary shall not receive compensation from the board for any period during which he is an elected or appointed member of the board.

In case of a vacancy in the office of secretary, the vacancy shall be filled by the board within 60 days after the vacancy occurs and if the board does not make such appointment within such time the [executive county] regional superintendent shall appoint a secretary who shall receive the same compensation as his predecessor in office received and shall serve until a secretary is appointed by the board.

(cf: P.L.2011, c.202, s.17)

73. N.J.S.18A:17-10 is amended to read as follows:

18A:17-10. The secretary shall, at the close of each fiscal year, present to the board a detailed report of its financial transactions during such year and file such copies thereof with the [county] regional superintendent as shall be required by the commissioner and he shall also make report on or before August 1 of each year of such matters, in such manner and form, as shall be prescribed by the commissioner.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:17-10)

74. N.J.S.18A:17-14.1 is amended to read as follows:

18A:17-14.1. A board or the boards of two or more districts may, under rules and regulations prescribed by the State board, appoint a school business administrator by a majority vote of all the members of the board, define his duties, which may include serving as secretary of one of the boards, and fix his salary, whenever the necessity for such appointment shall have been agreed to by the [county] regional superintendent of schools or the [county] regional superintendents of schools of the [counties] regions in which the districts are situate and approved by the commissioner and the State board.

Nothing in P.L.1996, c.111 (C.18A:17-24.1 et al.) shall prohibit a school district from subcontracting its school business administrator to another school district pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1973, c.208 (C.40:8A-1 et al.), in which case credit toward tenure acquisition shall accrue only in the primary district of employment.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.63, s.36)

75. N.J.S.18A:17-15 is amended to read as follows:

18A:17-15. The board of education of a Type I district and of any Type II district, now having or hereafter authorized to have a superintendent of schools, may, by contract appoint, for a term of not less than three nor more than five years and expiring July 1, a superintendent of schools by the recorded roll call majority vote of the full membership of the board.

A superintendent of schools may be appointed for a like term also in any other Type II district or in any other two or more Type II districts as follows:

Application for the establishment of the office of superintendent of schools for a district or for two or more districts which determine to share a superintendent shall be made to the [county] regional superintendent of the [county] region or the [county] regional superintendent of each of the [counties] regions in which such district or districts are situate and if said application is agreed to in writing by such [county] regional superintendent or [county] regional superintendents and shall be approved by the commissioner and the State board, the board of education of such a district so applying may appoint a superintendent of schools for a single district in the manner hereinbefore provided or may appoint a superintendent for two or more districts in the manner provided by section 4 of P.L.1996, c.111 (C.18A:17-24.1).

(cf: P.L.1996, c.111, s.2)

76. N.J.S.18A:17-21 is amended to read as follows:

18A:17-21. Each superintendent of schools shall render to the commissioner and to the [county] regional superintendent of schools having jurisdiction over the district a report of such matters relating to the schools, under his supervision as shall be required by the commissioner, and in the manner and form prescribed by
him, on or before August 1 of each year.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:17-21)

77. Section 4 of P.L.1996, c.111 (C.18A:17-24.1) is amended to read as follows:

4. The boards of education of two or more school districts may share a superintendent or a school business administrator, or both. A shared superintendent or business administrator shall be subject to the same rules governing eligibility for employment as are superintendents or business administrators of a single district. The decision to share a school business administrator shall be made jointly by the boards of education of the districts, in consultation with the superintendents of the respective districts, subject to the final approval of the Commissioner of Education. The decision to share a superintendent shall be made jointly by the boards of education of the districts, subject to the final approval of the Commissioner of Education. The procedure shall be as follows:

a. Should two or more districts, after careful study and opportunity for community input, decide to share a superintendent or school business administrator, the districts shall mutually prepare a report for submission to the [county] regional superintendent or [county] regional superintendents if the districts are in different [counties] regions. The report shall outline the anticipated advantages to the districts and the feasibility of a shared arrangement. The report shall set forth a plan explaining how the shared arrangement will operate, and shall also address such items as community support for the arrangement, effect on services to the respective districts, division of the superintendent's or business administrator's time between the districts, availability of administrative backup, likelihood of situations creating conflict of interest, and financial advantages of the arrangement.

b. The [county] regional superintendent or superintendents shall review the plan and forward a recommendation to the Commissioner of Education who shall approve or disapprove the plan.

(cf: P.L.1996, c.111, s.4)

78. Section 5 of P.L.1996, c.111 (C.18A:17-24.2) is amended to read as follows:

5. Any boards obtaining the approval of the Commissioner of Education may contract with one another for the sharing of a superintendent or school business administrator. The contract shall be in writing and shall address the responsibilities of each district under the sharing relationship, including the apportionment of costs. The agreement shall be made contingent upon the districts' mutual agreement on a candidate to fill the shared position and shall be conterminous with the superintendent's or business administrator's employment contract. A candidate for the position of superintendent shall hold the standard certificate of school administrator and a candidate for the position of school business administrator shall hold the standard certificate of school business administrator.

a. The school districts shall together agree on how the initial costs of sharing a superintendent or business administrator shall be apportioned, which apportionment shall be expressed as a percentage for each district, and shall include the cost of salaries and benefits.

b. At least one year prior to the expiration of the first or any subsequent contract between school boards sharing a superintendent or business administrator, a board wishing to terminate the contract shall notify, in writing, the other board or boards and the superintendent or business administrator, that it wishes to terminate the contract.

c. Should a board give a notice of termination, the contract between the boards shall be terminated at the expiration of that term and the superintendent or business administrator shall not be reappointed by the joint boards at the end of the current term. However, the termination shall not preclude a board from reemploying the superintendent or business administrator on an individual basis.

d. Upon the expiration of a contract between school boards sharing a superintendent or business administrator, the boards shall submit a report to the [county] regional superintendent or superintendents, which shall include an evaluation of the sharing relationship and the feasibility of voluntarily forming a regional district.

(cf: P.L.1996, c.111, s.5)

79. Section 11 of P.L.1996, c.111 (C.18A:17-24.8) is amended to read as follows:

11. The [county] regional superintendent or superintendents if the districts are in different [counties] regions shall serve as a mediator for any disputes arising over the interpretation of the contract between the boards of education sharing a superintendent or a school business administrator.

(cf: P.L.1996, c.111, s.11)

80. N.J.S.18A:17-36 is amended to read as follows:

18A:17-36. The treasurer shall render to the board monthly, and at such other times as shall be requested by the board, reports giving a detailed account of all receipts, the amounts of all warrants signed by him since the date of his last report and the accounts against which, and the purposes for which, the warrants were drawn and the balance to the credit of each account, and at the close of the school year and not later than August 1 of each year he shall render an annual report showing the amounts received and disbursed by him for school purposes during said year, a duplicate whereof shall be filed with the [county] regional superintendent, and shall also report to the [county] regional superintendent in the manner and form prescribed by the commissioner.

(cf: P.L.1981, c.174, s.9)

81. N.J.S.18A:17-43 is amended to read as follows:

18A:17-43. (a) The commissioner may, in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this article and upon a finding of need therefor, authorize any board of education to employ, subject to the provisions of Title 11, Civil Service, of the Revised Statutes, one or more public school law enforcement officers, and to station such public school law enforcement officers in public schools of this state during hours when said public schools are normally in session or are occupied by public school students or their teachers.

(b) No such public school law enforcement officer shall be employed, except upon the application of a board of education and with the approval of the [county] regional superintendent.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:17-43)

82. N.J.S.18A:18A-14 is amended to read as follows:

18A:18A-14. In the event that any controversy or dispute shall arise among the parties (except a municipality or county) to any such contract, the same shall be referred to the [county] regional superintendent of the [county] region in which the districts are situate for determination and his determination thereon shall be binding, subject to appeal to the commissioner and the State board pursuant to law. In the event that the districts are in more than one [county] region, the controversy or dispute shall be referred to the [county] regional superintendents of the [counties] regions for joint determination, and if they shall be unable to agree upon a joint determination within 30 days, the controversy or dispute shall be referred to the commissioner for determination.

(cf: P.L.1999, c.440, s.62)

83. Section 2 of P.L.1979, c.294 (C.18A:22-8.1) is amended to read as follows:

2. Except as otherwise provided pursuant to this section, whenever a school district desires to transfer amounts among line items and program categories, the transfers shall be by resolution of the board of education approved by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the authorized membership of the board; however, a board may, by resolution, designate the chief school administrator to approve such transfers as are necessary between meetings of the board. Transfers approved by the chief school administrator shall be reported to the board, ratified and duly recorded in the minutes at a subsequent meeting of the board, but not less than monthly. Transfers of surplus amounts or any other unbudgeted or underbudgeted revenue to line items and program categories shall require the approval of the Commissioner of Education and shall only be approved between April 1 and June 30 for line items and program categories necessary to achieve the thoroughness standards established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-46); except that upon a two-thirds affirmative vote of the authorized membership of a board of education, the board may petition the commissioner for authority to transfer such revenue prior to April 1 due to an emergent circumstance and the commissioner may authorize the transfer if he determines that the transfer is necessary to meet such emergency. Transfers from any general fund appropriation account that, on a cumulative basis, exceed 10% of the amount of the account included in the school district's budget as certified for taxes shall require the approval of the commissioner. In a school district wherein the Commissioner of Education has directed an in-depth evaluation pursuant to subsection e. of section 14 of P.L.1975, c.212 (C.18A:7A-14), the board of education shall obtain the written approval of the [executive county] regional superintendent of schools prior to implementing any board authorized transfer of funds.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.260, s.53)

84. N.J.S.18A:22-26 is amended to read as follows:

18A:22-26. a. Except as otherwise provided in subsection b. of this section, at or after the public hearing but not later than April 8, the board of school estimate of a type II district having a board of school estimate shall fix and determine by a recorded roll call majority vote of its full membership the amount of money necessary to be appropriated for the use of the public schools in the district for the ensuing school year, exclusive of the amount which shall be apportioned to it by the commissioner for the year pursuant to the provisions of section 5 of P.L.1996, c.138 (C.18A:7F-5) and shall make a certificate of the amount signed by at least a majority of all members of the board, which shall be delivered to the board of education and a copy thereof, certified under oath to be correct and true by the secretary of the board of school estimate, shall be delivered to the county board of taxation on or before April 15 in each year and a duplicate of the certificate shall be delivered to the board or governing body of each of the municipalities within the territorial limits of the district having the power to make appropriations of money raised by taxation in the municipalities or political subdivisions and to the [executive county] regional superintendent of schools and the amount shall be assessed, levied and raised under the procedure and in the manner provided by law for the levying and raising of special school taxes in other type II districts and shall be paid to the board secretary or treasurer of school moneys, as appropriate, of the district for such purposes.

Within 15 days after receiving the certificate the board of education shall notify the board of school estimate, the governing body of each municipality within the territorial limits of the school district, and the commissioner if it intends to appeal to the commissioner the board of school estimate's determination as to the amount of money requested pursuant to the provisions of section 5 of P.L.1996, c.138 (C.18A:7F-5), necessary to be appropriated for the use of the public schools of the district for the ensuing school year.

b. At or after the public hearing on the budget but not later than May 14, the board of education of each type II district having a board of school estimate in which the annual school election is in November, shall fix and determine by a recorded roll call majority vote of its full membership the amount of money necessary to be raised for the use of the public schools in the district, exclusive of the amount which shall be apportioned to it by the commissioner for the year pursuant to the provisions of section 5 of P.L.1996, c.138 (C.18A:7F-5). By that same date the board of school estimate shall fix and determine by a recorded roll call majority vote of its full membership the amount of any additional funds pursuant to paragraph (9) of subsection d. of section 5 of P.L.1996, c.138 (C.18A:7F-5) and shall make a certificate of that amount signed by at least a majority of all members of the board, which shall be delivered to the board of education. The secretary of the board of education shall certify the amount so fixed and determined by the board of education and the board of school estimate and shall deliver a copy of the certificate to the county board of taxation of the county on or before May 19 in each year and a duplicate of the certificate shall be delivered to the board or governing body of each of the municipalities within the territorial limits of the districts having the power to make appropriations of money raised by taxation in the municipalities or political subdivisions and to the [executive county] regional superintendent of schools and the amount shall be assessed, levied and raised under the procedure and in the manner provided by law for the levying and raising of special school taxes in other type II districts and shall be paid to the board secretary or treasurer of school moneys, as appropriate, of the district for such purposes.

(cf: P.L.2013, c.280, s.4)

85. N.J.S.18A:22-31 is amended to read as follows:

18A:22-31. In any district in which the amounts to be raised, levied and collected by taxes for school purposes are fixed and determined by a board of school estimate, the secretary of the board of education shall certify the amounts so estimated to be necessary for said purposes, itemizing the same so as to make the same readily understandable, to each member of the board of school estimate of the district and said board of school estimate shall meet within seven days after the delivery of said certificates and by a recorded roll call majority vote of its full membership, shall fix and determine the amounts necessary to be raised for said purposes, and the secretary of said board shall certify, within five days, said amounts to the board of education, to the board or body of each municipality situate within the district which has power to make appropriations of money to be raised by taxes in such municipality, to the county board of taxation and to the [county] regional superintendent of schools.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:22-31)

86. N.J.S.18A:25-5 is amended to read as follows:

18A:25-5. The teacher in any school in which but one teacher is employed and the principal in every other school shall file with the superintendent of schools of the district, if there be one, otherwise with the [county] regional superintendent, at the time of the closing of the school for the summer vacation or of leaving school before the end of the school year, an annual report on blanks furnished for that purpose by the commissioner. Unless such report is filed at said time the last installment of salary due the teacher or principal for the school year shall not be paid to him until the secretary of the board of education shall have received written notice from the superintendent of the district or the [county] regional superintendent, as the case may be, that such report has been filed.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:25-5)

87. N.J.S.18A:26-6 is amended to read as follows:

18A:26-6. No teaching staff member shall be employed in any of the schools of a district having a district board of examiners unless he shall be issued a certificate by said board and holds an appropriate certificate issued by the state board of examiners or the [county] regional superintendent of schools of the [county] region.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:26-6)

88. N.J.S.18A:26-9 is amended to read as follows:

18A:26-9. No certificate to teach or supervise in any of the public schools of this state, and no renewal of any such certificate, shall be issued to any applicant unless such applicant shall have first subscribed in duplicate to the oath of allegiance and office prescribed in section 41:1-3 of the Revised Statutes before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths or before a [county] regional superintendent or the president or secretary of a board of education of this state and until one copy thereof shall have been filed with the [county] regional superintendent and by him transmitted to the commissioner. The other copy of such oath shall be delivered to the applicant and by him to the board, body or person employing such applicant within this state.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:26-9)

89. N.J.S.18A:27-8 is amended to read as follows:

18A:27-8. One copy of each such contract so entered into shall be filed with the board, one copy with the person employed thereunder and one copy with the superintendent of schools if there be one, otherwise with the [county] regional superintendent.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:27-8)

90. N.J.S.18A:28-11 is amended to read as follows:

18A:28-11. In the case of any such reduction the board of education shall determine the seniority of the persons affected according to such standards and shall notify each such person as to his seniority status, and the board may request the commissioner for an advisory opinion with respect to the applicability of the standards to particular situations, which request shall be referred to a panel consisting of the [county] regional superintendent of the [county] region, the secretary of the state board of examiners and an assistant commissioner of education designated by the commissioner and an advisory opinion shall be furnished by said panel. No determination of such panel shall be binding upon the board of education or any other party in interest or upon the commissioner or the state board if any controversy or dispute arises as a result of such determination and an appeal is taken therefrom pursuant to the provisions of this title.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:28-11)

91. N.J.S.18A:32-1 is amended to read as follows:

18A:32-1. Whenever in any county there shall have been raised by subscription a sum of money not less than $100.00 for the establishment of a library of pedagogical books for the use of the teachers of the public schools, the director of the treasury shall, upon the order of the commissioner, draw his warrant on the state treasurer in favor of the [county] regional superintendent of the [county] region for the sum of $100.00 for the benefit of such library. Annually thereafter there shall be paid on a like order a sum not less than $50.00 nor more than $100.00 upon condition that there shall have been raised by subscription a like sum for the maintenance of the library for the year.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:32-1)

92. N.J.S.18A:32-2 is amended to read as follows:

18A:32-2. The [county] regional superintendent and three teachers of public schools in the [county] region appointed by him shall constitute a committee to select and purchase books and apparatus for the library, and to make rules for the management, use, and safekeeping thereof.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:32-2)

93. N.J.S.18A:33-2 is amended to read as follows:

18A:33-2. When any school district shall fail to provide such facilities and courses of study, the [county] regional superintendent shall, by order in writing, approved in writing by the commissioner and transmitted to the board secretary or treasurer of school moneys, as appropriate, of the district, direct the secretary or treasurer to withhold further payments, for the account of the district, of any moneys theretofore and thereafter received from State aid until such suitable facilities and courses of study shall be provided, which order shall be effective upon the date stated by the commissioner in his approval thereof. The [county] regional superintendent shall notify the board of education of the district of his action with the reasons therefor forthwith.

(cf: P.L.2010, c.39, s.25)

94. Section 2 of P.L.1995, c.327 (C.18A:35-22.1) is amended to read as follows:

2. A parent or guardian may remove a pupil who is enrolled in a bilingual education program at any time; except that during the first three years of a pupil's participation in a bilingual education program, a parent or guardian may only remove the pupil at the end of each school year. If a parent or guardian wishes to remove the pupil prior to the end of each school year, the removal shall be approved by the [county] regional superintendent of schools. If the [county] regional superintendent determines that the pupil should remain in the bilingual education program until the end of the school year, the parent may appeal the [county] regional superintendent's decision to the Commissioner of Education, or his designee, pursuant to the provisions of section 2 of P.L.1991, c.12 (C.18A:35-19.2). The commissioner's decision shall be rendered within 30 days of the filing of the appeal.

(cf: P.L.1995, c.327, s.2)

95. Section 16 of P.L.1995, c.426 (C.18A:36A-16) is amended to read as follows:

16. a. The commissioner shall annually assess whether each charter school is meeting the goals of its charter, and shall conduct a comprehensive review prior to granting a renewal of the charter. The [county] regional superintendent of schools of the [county] region in which the charter school is located shall have on-going access to the records and facilities of the charter school to ensure that the charter school is in compliance with its charter and that State board regulations concerning assessment, testing, civil rights, and student health and safety are being met.

b. In order to facilitate the commissioner's review, each charter school shall submit an annual report to the local board of education, the [county] regional superintendent of schools, and the commissioner in the form prescribed by the commissioner. The report shall be received annually by the local board, the [county] regional superintendent, and the commissioner no later than August 1.

The report shall also be made available to the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the charter school.

c. By April 1, 2001, the commissioner shall hold public hearings in the north, central, and southern regions of the State to receive input from members of the educational community and the public on the charter school program.

d. The commissioner shall commission an independent study of the charter school program. The study shall be conducted by an individual or entity identified with expertise in the field of education and the selection shall be approved by the Joint Committee on the Public Schools. The individual or entity shall design a comprehensive study of the charter school program.

e. The commissioner shall submit to the Governor, the Legislature, and the State Board of Education by October 1, 2001 an evaluation of the charter school program based upon the public input required pursuant to subsection c. of this section and the independent study required pursuant to subsection d. of this section. The evaluation shall include, but not be limited to, consideration of the following elements:

(1) the impact of the charter school program on resident districts' students, staff, parents, educational programs, and finances;

(2) the impact of the charter school program and the increased number of schools on the economics of educational services on a Statewide basis;

(3) the fairness and the impact of the reduction of available resources on the ability of resident districts to promote competitive educational offerings;

(4) the impact of the shift of pupils from nonpublic schools to charter schools;

(5) the comparative demographics of student enrollments in school districts of residence and the charter schools located within those districts. The comparison shall include, but not be limited to, race, gender, socioeconomic status, enrollment of special education students, enrollment of students of limited English proficiency, and student progress toward meeting the core curriculum content standards as measured by student results on Statewide assessment tests;

(6) the degree of involvement of private entities in the operation and financial support of charter schools, and their participation as members of charter school boards of trustees;

(7) verification of the compliance of charter schools with applicable laws and regulations;

(8) student progress toward meeting the goals of the charter schools;

(9) parent, community and student satisfaction with charter schools;

(10) the extent to which waiting lists exist for admission to charter schools and the length of those lists;

(11) the extent of any attrition among student and faculty members in charter schools; and

(12) the results of the independent study required pursuant to subsection d. of this section.

The evaluation shall include a recommendation on the advisability of the continuation, modification, expansion, or termination of the program. If the evaluation does not recommend termination, then it shall include recommendations for changes in the structure of the program which the commissioner deems advisable. The commissioner may not implement any recommended expansion, modification, or termination of the program until the Legislature acts on that recommendation.

(cf: P.L.2000, c.142, s.3)

96. Section 2 of P.L.1988, c.12 (C.18A:38-7.8) is amended to read as follows:

2. a. After July 1, 1988, persons of school age who reside on federal property which is located entirely within the geographic boundaries of two or more school districts, one of which is a constituent district of a limited purpose regional district with more than six constituent districts in a county of the fifth class shall be deemed to be domiciled in a district to be designated by the [county] regional superintendent of schools. These persons shall attend the schools of the designated district and the designated district shall count these pupils in the resident enrollment of the district for all State aid and all federal funds provided under Pub.L.81-874, 20 U.S.C. s. 236 et seq.

b. The designated district shall be a district that contains within its boundaries a portion of the federal property on which the pupils reside. Not later than 10 days after the effective date of this act, the board of education of any school district that seeks to be designated by the [county] regional superintendent of schools pursuant to this section shall adopt a resolution by majority vote of its members indicating its interest and the resolution shall be forwarded to the [county] regional superintendent. Based on a determination of the best interests of the pupils residing on federal property and pupils residing in the districts seeking designation, the [county] regional superintendent shall, within 30 days of the effective date of this act, certify to the Commissioner of Education which local school district, if any, shall be the designated district. Once the [county] regional superintendent has certified the designated district, the [county] regional superintendent may not revoke or alter that certification. In the event that no board of education adopts a resolution indicating an interest in being designated pursuant to this section, the [county] regional superintendent shall not designate a district and the pupils residing on the federal property shall attend the schools of the district in which they reside.

c. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, those pupils residing on federal property prior to October 1, 1987 shall be permitted at the option of each pupil to continue in the school they were attending on September 30, 1987 until graduation from the school. For the purpose of calculating State and federal aid, each pupil who elects to remain shall continue to be included in the resident enrollment of the district in which they reside.

(cf: P.L.1988, c.12, s.2)

97. Section 3 of P.L.1988, c.105 (C.18A:38-7.12) is amended to read as follows:

3. Persons of school age who reside in a multi-district federal enclave shall be deemed to be domiciled in a single district to be designated by the [county] regional superintendent of schools. Where all persons of school age who reside in a multi-district federal enclave already attend a single district, the [county] regional superintendent shall designate that district as the district to be attended by all current and future pupils residing in the multi-district federal enclave. Any person attending on the effective date of this act a school in a district other than a district designated by the [county] regional superintendent pursuant to this act shall be permitted to continue in such school until graduation.

(cf: P.L.1988, c.105, s.3)

98. N.J.S.18A:38-9 is amended to read as follows:

18A:38-9. Any child living remote from any public school in the district in which he resides shall be allowed to attend a public school in an adjoining district, with the written consent of the [county] regional superintendent or [county] regional superintendents of each [county] region in which the districts are situate. One copy of such written consent shall be filed with the secretary of the board of education of the district in which the child resides and one copy thereof shall be filed with the secretary of the board of education of the district in which such child shall attend school.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:38-9)

99. Section 1 of P.L.1993, c.384 (C.18A:38-21.1) is amended to read as follows:

1. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.18A:38-13 and N.J.S.18A:38-21, any board of education which sends students to another school district may terminate a sending-receiving relationship pursuant to the following conditions:

(1) The resident enrollment of the receiving district shall represent more than 95% of the total student enrollment attending the receiving district and the number of students from the sending district who attend the receiving district shall represent less than three percent of the total student enrollment attending the receiving district. Enrollments shall be determined using resident enrollment figures compiled in October of the preceding school year;

(2) The sending district shall agree to join a regional school district subsequent to the termination of its sending-receiving relationship;

(3) Any secondary school student in the sending district at the time of termination of the sending-receiving relationship shall be permitted to complete his secondary education within the receiving district. The sending-receiving relationship shall be continued for these students;

(4) The termination will not significantly disrupt the racial composition of the sending and receiving school districts; and

(5) A petition of the sending district to terminate the sending-receiving relationship has not been denied since January 1, 1988 by the Commissioner of Education, the State Board of Education, or the New Jersey courts for reasons which include the impact on the racial composition of the pupil population of the districts.

b. Any school district which meets the conditions of subsection a. of this section must take final action to terminate its sending-receiving relationship within three years following the effective date of this act.

c. Any school district which has taken final action to terminate its sending-receiving relationship pursuant to this section shall notify the receiving school district no later than December 1 of the school year prior to the school year in which the termination is to occur. Termination of the sending-receiving relationship shall not occur until the sending district has been admitted to an existing regional school district pursuant to N.J.S.18A:13-43 and N.J.S.18A:13-44, or subsection d. of this section, or has become part of a newly formed all purpose regional district pursuant to N.J.S.18A:13-34 and N.J.S.18A:13-35.

d. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.18A:13-43 and N.J.S.18A:13-44, upon the effective date of P.L.1996, c.91 (C.18A:38-21.1), a school district which meets the conditions of subsection a. of this section shall be admitted to an existing regional school district upon the adoption of a resolution by its board of education and the board of education of the regional school district approving the inclusion of the school district within the regional district. Copies of the resolutions shall be forwarded to the [county] regional superintendent or superintendents of the [counties] regions in which the districts are situate. The [county] regional superintendent or superintendents shall notify the commissioner and the enlargement of the regional district by the admission of the proposed constituent district shall become effective on the 20th day following the adoption of the resolutions.

e. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.18A:13-8, N.J.S.18A:13-36, and N.J.S.18A:13-46, the board of education of a regional school district which admits a new constituent school district by resolution pursuant to the provisions of subsection d. of this section shall be composed of 11 members unless the regional district consists of more than 11 members. One of the additional board members shall represent the new constituent district and shall be appointed by the [county] regional superintendent of the [county] region in which the new constituent district is situate. The second additional member shall be apportioned among the other constituent districts of the regional school district as determined by the [county] regional superintendent or superintendents of the [county] region or [counties] regions in which the constituent local districts of the enlarged district are situate. The members so appointed shall serve until the first Monday succeeding the first annual school election of the enlarged regional district and their successors shall be elected at that election.

(cf: P.L.1996, c.91)

100. N.J.S.18A:38-32 is amended to read as follows:

18A:38-32. For the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this article, the board of education of each school district and the board of education of each county vocational school shall appoint a suitable number of qualified persons to be designated as attendance officers, and shall fix their compensation; except that if a county attendance officer or officers are appointed for any county, any district board of education of such county may be exempt from the appointment of a local attendance officer if such exemption is approved by the [county] regional superintendent. Each board shall make rules not inconsistent with the provisions of this article and subject to the approval of the commissioner, for the government of the attendance officers.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:38-32)

101. N.J.S.18A:38-35 is amended to read as follows:

18A:38-35. The salary of each county attendance officer shall be paid as other state salaries are paid. The director of the division of budget and accounting shall on order of the commissioner draw his warrant for such salary on the state treasurer. All claims for the expenses of a county attendance officer shall be paid after being audited by the [county] regional superintendent on orders issued by the [county] regional superintendent and drawn on the county treasurer. The expenses for each such officer shall not exceed in any one year the sum of $700.00.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:38-35)

102. N.J.S.18A:39-1 is amended to read as follows:

18A:39-1. Whenever in any district there are elementary school pupils who live more than two miles from their public school of attendance or secondary school pupils who live more than 2 1/2 miles from their public school of attendance, the district shall provide transportation to and from school for these pupils.

When any school district provides any transportation for public school pupils to and from school pursuant to this section, transportation shall be supplied to school pupils residing in such school district in going to and from any remote school other than a public school, not operated for profit in whole or in part, located within the State not more than 20 miles from the residence of the pupil; except that if the district is located in a county of the third class with a population of not less than 80,000 and not more than 120,000 transportation shall be provided to a nonpublic school located outside the State not more than 20 miles from the residence of the pupil, if there is no appropriate nonpublic school within the State located closer to the residence of the pupil; provided the per pupil cost of the lowest bid received does not exceed $675 for the 1992-93 school year or the amount determined for subsequent years pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1981, c.57 (C.18A:39-1a), and if such bid shall exceed that cost then the parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of the pupil shall be eligible to receive $675 for the 1992-93 school year or the amount determined pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1981, c.57 (C.18A:39-1a) for subsequent years toward the cost of his transportation to a qualified school other than a public school, regardless of whether such transportation is along established public school routes. It shall be the obligation of the parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of the pupil attending a remote school, other than a public school, not operating for profit in whole or in part, to register said pupil with the office of the secretary of the board of education at the time and in the manner specified by rules and regulations of the State board in order to be eligible for the transportation provided by this section. If the registration of any such pupil is not completed by September 1 of the school year and if it is necessary for the board of education to enter into a contract establishing a new route in order to provide such transportation, then the board shall not be required to provide it, but in lieu thereof the parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of the pupil shall be eligible to receive $675 or the amount determined pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1981, c.57 (18A:39-1a), or an amount computed by multiplying 1/180 times the number of school days remaining in the school year at the time of registration, times $675 for the 1992-93 school year or the amount determined pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1981, c.57 (C.18A:39-1a) for subsequent years, whichever is the smaller amount. Whenever any regional school district provides any transportation for pupils attending schools other than public schools pursuant to this section, said regional district shall assume responsibility for the transportation of all such pupils, and the cost of such transportation for pupils below the grade level for which the regional district was organized shall be prorated by the regional district among the constituent districts on a per pupil basis, after approval of such costs by the [county] regional superintendent. This section shall not require school districts to provide any transportation for pupils attending a school other than a public school, where the only transportation presently provided by said district is for school children transported pursuant to chapter 46 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes or for pupils transported to a vocational, technical or other public school offering a specialized program. Any transportation to a school, other than a public school, shall be pursuant to the same rules and regulations promulgated by the State board as governs transportation to any public school.

The board of education may make rules and contracts for the pupil transportation provided pursuant to this section.

Nothing in this section shall be so construed as to prohibit a board of education from making contracts for the transportation of pupils to a school in an adjoining district, when such pupils are transferred to the district by order of the [county] regional superintendent, or when any pupils shall attend school in a district other than that in which they shall reside by virtue of an agreement made by the respective boards of education.

Nothing herein contained shall limit or diminish in any way any of the provisions for transportation for children pursuant to chapter 46 of this Title.

(cf: P.L.1992, c.33, s.1)

103. N.J.S.18A:39-2 is amended to read as follows:

18A:39-2. Any board of education having power to provide for the transportation of school pupils in its district to and from school may provide such transportation by a bus or buses owned by it or may enter into contract for such transportation, approved by the [county] regional superintendent, for a term not exceeding 4 years.

All multiyear contracts made pursuant to the above taking effect subsequent to September 1, 1975 may, at the discretion of the local board of education, and subject to approval by the [county] regional superintendent, be increased not to exceed 7 1/2 annually of the original yearly contract cost beginning with the second year of the contract.

(cf: P.L.1982, c.74, s.2)

104. Section 2 of P.L.2001, c.437 (C.18A:39-2.2) is amended to read as follows:

2. A [county] regional superintendent of schools, during the approval process of pupil transportation contracts conducted pursuant to N.J.S.18A:39-2, shall examine the contract to determine whether cost efficiencies could be realized by combining public and nonpublic school pupils on the same school bus routes.

(cf: P.L.2001, c.437, s.2)

105. N.J.S.18A:39-3 is amended to read as follows:

18A:39-3. a. No contract for the transportation of pupils to and from school shall be made, when the amount to be paid during the school year for such transportation shall exceed $7,500.00 or the amount determined pursuant to subsection b. of this section, and have the approval of the [executive county] regional superintendent of schools, unless the board of education making such contract shall have first publicly advertised for bids therefor in a newspaper published in the district or, if no newspaper is published therein, in a newspaper circulating in the district, once, at least 10 days prior to the date fixed for receiving proposals for such transportation, and shall have awarded the contract to the lowest responsible bidder.

Nothing in this chapter shall require the advertisement and letting on proposals or bids of annual extensions, approved by the [executive county] regional superintendent, of any contract for transportation entered into through competitive bidding when--

(1) Such annual extensions impose no additional cost upon the board of education, regardless of the fact that the route description has changed; or

(2) The increase in the contractual amount as a result of such extensions does not exceed the rise in the Consumer Price Index as defined in section 3 of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-45) for that school year, regardless of the fact that the route description has changed or an aide has been added or removed; or

(3) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1982, c.74.)

(4) The increase in the contractual amount as a result of an extension exceeds the rise in the Consumer Price Index as defined in section 3 of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-45) for that school year, but the following apply to the extensions:

(a) The increase is directly attributable to a route change to accommodate new student riders or safety concerns as provided for in the original bid, or the increase is directly attributable to the addition of an aide as provided for in the original bid; and

(b) The school destination remains unchanged from the original contract.

Any such extension as described in this paragraph shall require the approval of the [executive county] regional superintendent of schools.

Nothing in this chapter shall require the immediate bid of any contract renewal for the remainder of a school year in which the only change, in addition to route description, is the bus type. However, any such extension shall be approved by the [executive county] regional superintendent of schools and shall be bid for the next school year.

b. The Governor, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, shall, no later than March 1 of each odd-numbered year, adjust the threshold amount set forth in subsection a. of this section, or subsequent to 1985 the threshold amount resulting from any adjustment under this subsection or section 17 of P.L.1985, c.469, in direct proportion to the rise or fall of the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers in the New York City and the Philadelphia areas as reported by the United States Department of Labor. The Governor shall, no later than June 1 of each odd-numbered year, notify all local school districts of the adjustment. The adjustment shall become effective on July 1 of each odd-numbered year.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.260, s.66)

106. N.J.S.18A:39-10 is amended to read as follows:

18A:39-10. Notwithstanding the terms of any contract for transportation of pupils to and from school, or renewal thereof, entered into pursuant to this chapter, any board of education, in its discretion, with the approval of the [county] regional superintendent, may compensate any transportation contractor, in whole or in part, for any necessary expenditure made to comply with the provisions of any law enacted, or any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to any law, after said contract was entered into.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:39-10)

107. N.J.S.18A:39-11 is amended to read as follows:

18A:39-11. The boards of education of 2 or more school districts may provide jointly for the transportation of pupils to and from any school or schools within or outside the districts.

Whenever in the judgment of the [county] regional superintendent of schools transportation of pupils to any qualified school other than a public school could be more economically accomplished by joint transportation with 2 or more school districts, he may order such joint transportation, assign the administration to one board of education and prorate the cost on a per pupil mileage basis to the other boards of education involved.

(cf: P.L.1968, c.29, s.3)

108. Section 1 of P.L.1997, c.53 (C.18A:39-11.1) is amended to read as follows:

1. a. The Commissioner of Education shall identify and publish a list of local school boards of education, educational services commissions, county special services school districts, and any other established agencies providing cooperative transportation services.

b. Any school district responsible for the transportation of pupils to and from a school, other than a local district school, pursuant to N.J.S.18A:39-1 which transports pupils to a county vocational school and pupils classified pursuant to chapter 46 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes shall utilize one of the agencies identified by the commissioner for the transportation of the pupils. Transportation by one of the agencies shall not be required when the local district can provide transportation at a lower cost than those agencies, or the transportation to be provided by one of the agencies does not fall within the policies of the resident school district regarding length of ride and assignment of students to a route based on student age or classification.

c. (1) A board of education shall bid or coordinate nonpublic school transportation services with another school district or a cooperative transportation services agency in accordance with criteria established by the commissioner.

(2) Any school district which has in the prior year provided payments in lieu of transportation for any nonpublic school pupil pursuant to N.J.S.18A:39-1, or which cannot provide transportation in the ensuing school year in accordance with the commissioner's criteria, shall attempt to provide transportation through an agency identified by the commissioner prior to determining to pay aid in lieu of transportation. The school district shall provide to the agency any unique limitations or restrictions of the required transportation. If the costs to provide transportation by the agency identified by the commissioner are less than the in-lieu-of payments, the agency shall provide transportation. The school district shall make the determination on the manner in which transportation services shall be provided and shall notify the nonpublic school and the parent or guardian of the nonpublic school pupil by August 1 prior to the beginning of the school year. For the purposes of this subsection, "costs to provide transportation" shall not include any administrative fee charged by the agency. If the sum of the costs to provide transportation plus any administrative fee charged by the agency exceeds on a per pupil basis the maximum amount for nonpublic school transportation established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1981, c.57 (C.18A:39-1a), the board of education may apply to the commissioner for that portion which exceeds the maximum amount.

d. The [county] regional superintendents shall:

(1) assist local boards of education and the chief school administrators of nonpublic schools in coordinating the calendars and schedules of the public and nonpublic schools to facilitate the coordination of transportation of pupils to and from school in their respective [county] region;

(2) arbitrate any disputes between local boards of education and the chief school administrators of nonpublic schools regarding pupil transportation; and

(3) convene a meeting, at least once a year, of representatives of all public and nonpublic schools in the [county] region to discuss issues related to pupil transportation.

(cf: P.L.2001, c.65, s.2)

109. Section 2 of P.L.2005, c.84 (C.18A:39-11.3) is amended to read as follows:

2. a. A board of education may, by resolution approved by a majority of the board of education and subject to the provisions of subsection b. of this section, disqualify a bidder who would otherwise be determined to be the lowest responsible bidder for a pupil transportation contract, if the board of education finds that it has had prior negative experience with the bidder. The disqualification shall be for a reasonable, defined period of time which shall not exceed three years.

b. As used in this section, "prior negative experience" means any of the following:

(1) the bidder has been determined to be "nonperforming" under a pupil transportation contract after a hearing which shall include the bidder, the superintendent of schools, and the [county] regional superintendent of schools. The [county] regional superintendent of schools shall make the determination as to nonperformance and this determination may be appealed to Commissioner of Education and the State Board of Education, as provided by law;

(2) the bidder defaulted on a transportation contract thereby requiring the board of education to utilize the services of another contractor to complete the contract;

(3) the bidder defaulted on a transportation contract thereby requiring the board of education to look to the bidder's surety for completion of the contract or tender of the costs of completion; or

(4) the bidder has at least a 10% ownership in any contractor that had prior negative experience with the board of education as described in paragraphs (1) through (3) of this subsection.

(cf: P.L.2005, c.84, s.2)

110. N.J.S.18A:39-15 is amended to read as follows:

18A:39-15. If the [executive county] regional superintendent of the [county] regional in which the districts are situate shall approve the necessity, the cost, and the method of providing joint transportation and the agreement whereby the same is to be provided, each board of education providing joint transportation shall be entitled to State transportation aid pursuant to section 15 of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-57).

(cf: P.L.2007, c.260, s.67)

111. N.J.S.18A:39-16 is amended to read as follows:

18A:39-16. In the event that any controversy or dispute shall arise among the parties to any such agreement for joint transportation, the same shall be referred to the [county] regional superintendent of the [county] region in which the districts are situate for determination and his determination thereon shall be binding, subject to appeal to the commissioner. In the event that the districts are in more than one [county]region , the controversy or dispute shall be referred to the [county] regional superintendents of the [counties] regions for joint determination, and if they shall be unable to agree upon a joint determination within 30 days, the controversy or dispute shall be referred to the commissioner for determination.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:39-16)

112. N.J.S.18A:39-17 is amended to read as follows:

18A:39-17. In each school year, prior to the assignment of any driver or substitute driver to any vehicle operated by the board of education of any district as a school bus, there shall be filed by the secretary of such board with the [county] regional superintendent the name and social security number of each such driver or substitute driver and certification of a valid school bus driver's license, criminal background check, and evidence of a check for the driver's record of alcohol and drug-related motor vehicle violations pursuant to section 6 of P.L.1989, c.104 (C.18A:39-19.1).

(cf: P.L.2003, c.66, s.2)

113. N.J.S.18A:39-18 is amended to read as follows:

18A:39-18. In each school year, prior to the beginning of transportation of school pupils under a contract awarded by a board of education, the contractor shall furnish to the [county] regional superintendent the name, social security number, and certification of a valid school bus driver's license and criminal background check, and evidence of a check for the driver's record of alcohol and drug-related motor vehicle violations pursuant to section 6 of P.L.1989, c.104 (C.18A:39-19.1) of each driver or substitute driver to be assigned to any vehicle in the performance of his contract.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.66, s.3)

114. Section 6 of P.L.1989, c.104 (C.18A:39-19.1) is amended to read as follows:

6. a. Prior to employment as a school bus driver, and upon application for renewal of a school bus driver's license, a bus driver shall submit to the Commissioner of Education his or her name, address and fingerprints in accordance with procedures established by the commissioner. No criminal history record check or check for alcohol and drug-related motor vehicle violations shall be furnished without his or her written consent to such a check. The applicant shall bear the cost for the checks, including all costs for administering and processing the checks.

Upon receipt of the criminal history record information for an applicant from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Division of State Police, and information on the check for alcohol and drug-related motor vehicle violations from the Division of Motor Vehicle Services, the Commissioner of Education shall notify the applicant, in writing, of the applicant's qualification or disqualification as a school bus driver. If the applicant is disqualified, the convictions which constitute the basis for the disqualification shall be identified in the written notice to the applicant. A school bus driver, except as provided in subsection e. of this section, shall be permanently disqualified from employment or service if the individual's criminal history record reveals a record of conviction for which public school employment candidates are disqualified pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1986, c.116 (C.18A:6-7.1) or if the driver has been convicted at least two times within the last 10 years for a violation of R.S.39:4-50, section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a), section 5 of P.L.1990, c.103 (C.39:3-10.13), or section 16 of P.L.1990, c.103 (C.39:3-10.24); or once for a violation of section 5 of P.L.1990, c.103 (C.39:3-10.13) or section 16 of P.L.1990, c.103 (C.39:3-10.24) while transporting school children.

Following qualification for employment as a school bus driver pursuant to this section, the State Bureau of Identification shall immediately forward to the Commissioner of Education any information which the bureau receives on a charge pending against the school bus driver. If the charge is for one of the crimes or offenses enumerated in section 1 of P.L.1986, c.116 (C.18A:6-7.1), the commissioner shall notify the employing board of education or contractor, and the board or contractor shall take appropriate action. If the pending charge results in conviction, the school bus driver shall not be eligible for continued employment.

A school bus driver shall not be eligible to operate a school bus if the individual's bus driver's license is currently revoked or suspended by the Division of Motor Vehicle Services in accordance with R.S.39:3-10.1.

Following qualification for employment as a school bus driver, the Division of Motor Vehicle Services shall immediately forward to the Commissioner of Education any information which the division receives on a conviction for an alcohol or drug-related motor vehicle violation that would disqualify the driver from employment pursuant to the provisions of this subsection. The commissioner shall notify the employing board of education or contractor that the driver is no longer eligible for employment.

b. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, an individual shall not be disqualified from employment or service under this act on the basis of any conviction disclosed by a criminal history record check or a check for alcohol and drug-related motor vehicle violations performed pursuant to this section without an opportunity to challenge the accuracy of the disqualifying records.

c. When charges are pending for a crime or any other offense enumerated in section 1 of P.L.1986, c.116 (C.18A:6-7.1), the employing board of education or contractor shall be notified that the candidate shall not be eligible for employment until the commissioner has made a determination regarding qualification or disqualification upon adjudication of the pending charges.

d. The applicant shall have 30 days from the date of the written notice of disqualification to challenge the accuracy of the criminal history record information or the record of convictions for an alcohol or drug-related motor vehicle violation. If no challenge is filed or if the determination of the accuracy of the criminal history record information or the record of convictions for an alcohol or drug-related motor vehicle violation upholds the disqualification, notification of the applicant's disqualification for employment shall be forwarded to the Division of Motor Vehicle Services. The local board of education or the school bus contractor and the [County Superintendent of Schools] regional superintendent of schools shall also be notified of the disqualification. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicle Services shall, upon notice of disqualification from the Commissioner of Education, immediately revoke the applicant's special license issued pursuant to R.S.39:3-10.1 without necessity of a further hearing. Candidates' records shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of section 4 of P.L.1986, c.116 (C.18A:6-7.4).

e. This section shall first apply to criminal history record checks conducted on or after the effective date of P.L.1998, c.31 (C.18A:6-7.1c et al.); except that in the case of a school bus driver employed by a board of education or a contracted service provider who is required to undergo a check upon application for renewal of a school bus driver's license, the individual shall be disqualified only for the following offenses:

(1) any offense enumerated in this section prior to the effective date of P.L.1998, c.31 (C.18A:6-7.1c et al.); and

(2) any offense enumerated in this section which had not been enumerated in this section prior to the effective date of P.L.1998, c.31 (C.18A:6-7.1c et al.), if the person was convicted of that offense on or after the effective date of that act.

f. (1) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, the check for alcohol and drug-related motor vehicle violations shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this section prior to initial employment as a school bus driver and upon application for renewal of a school bus driver's license until such time as the provisions of the "Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999," Pub.L.106-159, are effective and implemented by the State.

(2) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, upon the implementation by the State of the "Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999," Pub.L.106-159, a check for alcohol and drug-related motor vehicle violations shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this section prior to initial employment as a school bus driver. A check for alcohol and drug-related motor vehicle violations conducted for any subsequent renewal of a school bus driver's license shall be subject to the provisions of the "Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999," Pub.L.106-159.

(3) Upon the implementation by the State of the "Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999," Pub.L.106-159, following qualification for employment as a school bus driver, the Division of Motor Vehicle Services shall immediately notify the Commissioner of Education of the suspension or revocation of a school bus driver's commercial driver's license. The commissioner shall notify the employing board of education or contractor of the suspension or revocation, and the employment of the school bus driver shall be immediately terminated. In the case of a school bus driver whose commercial driver's license has been suspended, the driver may apply for re-employment at the end of the period of suspension.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.66, s.4)

115. N.J.S.18A:40-2 is amended to read as follows:

18A:40-2. Whenever the [county] regional superintendent shall certify to the commissioner that there has been subscribed or donated a sum not less than $4,000.00 for the purpose of paying the salary of a person to be known as county medical inspector of a county, the commissioner shall appoint, by and with the approval of the state board, a physician, licensed to practice medicine and surgery within the state, of at least two years practical experience, to be known as county medical inspector for such county. He shall perform such duties as shall be prescribed by rules adopted by the state board. His term of office shall be one year. No person shall be appointed as a county medical inspector in any year until there has been certified to the commissioner that a sum sufficient to pay the salary of such officer, but not less than $4,000.00, has been subscribed or donated as aforesaid.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:40-2)

116. N.J.S.18A:46-3 is amended to read as follows:

18A:46-3. When the results of a survey of handicapped children in any county, in the opinion of the commissioner warrants it, he shall, with the approval of the state board, establish a department of child study which shall be charged with the duty of performing the services required to be performed at the county level under this chapter. He shall appoint for each county department of child study or, with the approval of the state board, for one or more county departments of child study, a supervisor, whose duties shall include the coordination of the special education services in the county, and he shall appoint, such additional personnel, constituting a child study team as he deems necessary to perform such services for handicapped children.

In addition to the supervisor of child study the members of each child study team shall include personnel qualified to administer, supervise or otherwise perform the special education services required under this chapter.

The [county] regional superintendent of the [county] region or the [county] regional superintendents of the [counties] regions served by one child study team jointly shall, with the approval of the commissioner, designate a member of the child study team to serve as chairman and in event that they cannot agree the chairman shall be designated by the commissioner.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:46-3)

117. N.J.S.18A:46-4 is amended to read as follows:

18A:46-4. The commissioner shall fix the terms of office and compensation of the supervisor and other members of the child study team. Their salaries shall be paid as other State salaries are paid by warrants drawn by the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting on the State Treasurer, on orders issued by the commissioner. All claims for expenses of the supervisor, for each county in which he shall serve, shall be paid after being audited by the [county] regional superintendent on orders issued by the [county] regional superintendent and drawn on the county treasurer. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, the State shall reimburse each county no more than $750.00 for the expenses of the supervisor in any 1 year. All claims for expenses of the supervisor which exceed the sum of $750.00 shall be paid by the county.

(cf: P.L.1975, c.336, s.1)

118. N.J.S.18A:46-7 is amended to read as follows:

18A:46-7. Each board of education shall report annually to the [county] regional superintendent of schools of the [county] region in which the school district is situate, who shall report to the commissioner, the names of all children who are in special education instructional programs and the names and addresses of their parents or persons having control or custody of them, together with the category into which they have been classified. Included in this report shall be the names and addresses of any known handicapped children who are not attending school. The commissioner shall make the information in the reports available to any state agency charged with the care and restoration of any particular category of handicapped children.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:46-7)

119. N.J.S.18A:46-13 is amended to read as follows:

18A:46-13. It shall be the duty of each board of education to provide suitable facilities and programs of education for all the children who are classified as handicapped under this chapter. The absence or unavailability of a special class facility in any district shall not be construed as relieving a board of education of the responsibility for providing education for any child who qualifies under this chapter.

The Department of Human Services, and the Department of Children and Families, as applicable, shall provide transportation for all children who attend day training centers operated by the department.

A board of education is not required to provide any further educational program for children who have been admitted to the Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf but shall be required to furnish necessary daily transportation Monday through Friday to and from the school for nonboarding pupils when such transportation is approved by the [county] regional superintendent of schools in accordance with such rules and regulations as the State board shall promulgate for such transportation. Any special education facility or program authorized and provided for a child attaining age 20 during a school year shall be continued for the remainder of that school year.

(cf: P.L.2006, c.47, s.96)

120. N.J.S.18A:46-23 is amended to read as follows:

18A:46-23. The board of education shall furnish transportation to all children found under this chapter to be handicapped who shall qualify therefor pursuant to law and it shall furnish the transportation for a lesser distance also to any handicapped child, if it finds upon the advice of the examiner, the handicap to be such as to make transportation necessary or advisable.

The board of education shall furnish transportation to all children being sent by local boards of education to an approved 12-month program pursuant to N.J.S.18A:46-14, or any other program approved pursuant to N.J.S.18A:46-14 and who qualify therefor pursuant to law, during the entire time the child is attending the program. The board shall furnish transportation for a lesser distance also to a handicapped child, if it finds upon the advice of the examiner, his handicap to be such as to make the transportation necessary or advisable.

The school district shall be entitled to State aid for the transportation pursuant to section 15 of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-57) when the necessity for the transportation and the cost and method thereof have been approved by the [executive county] regional superintendent of the county in which the district paying the cost of the transportation is situated.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.260, s.72)

121. Section 7 of P.L.1971, c.271 (C.18A:46-35) is amended to read as follows:

7. For each county special services school district established in accordance with this act there shall be a board of education consisting of the [county] regional superintendent of schools, ex officio, and six persons to be appointed by the director of the board of chosen freeholders with the advice and consent of the remaining members of such board. In any county having a county mental health board, the chairman thereof, or his designee, shall also serve as an ex-officio member of the board of education but shall not be entitled to vote on any matter before the board. The appointive members shall serve for terms of 3 years commencing as of July 1 of the calendar year in which they are appointed and to continue until their successors are appointed and qualify, except that of those first appointed two shall be appointed for terms of 1 year, two for 2 years, and two for 3 years.

Vacancies in the board caused by the death, resignation or removal of a member shall be reported forthwith by the secretary of the board to the director of the board of chosen freeholders, who, by the next regular meeting of the board of chosen freeholders and in the manner herein prescribed for making appointments for a full term, shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term.

(cf: P.L.1979, c.352, s.1)

122. Section 1 of P.L.2007, c.222 (C.18A:46-47) is amended to read as follows:

1. a. Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, a board of chosen freeholders may, by resolution, establish one board of education for the county special services school district established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1971, c.271 (C.18A:46-29) and the county vocational school district established pursuant to chapter 54 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. This board of education shall be known as "The Board of Education of the Special Services School District and the Vocational School District of the county of...." This board shall have all the powers, functions and duties provided to a board of education of a county special services school district pursuant to article 8 of chapter 46 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes and a board of education of a county vocational school district pursuant to article 3 of chapter 54 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.

b. The consolidated board of education established pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall consist of the [county] regional superintendent of schools, ex officio, and six persons to be appointed by the chief elected executive officer of the county, or the director of the board of chosen freeholders, with the advice and consent of the remaining members of the board of chosen freeholders, as appropriate to the appointment procedures established by the form of government of the county. In any county having a county mental health board, the chairman thereof, or his designee, shall also serve as an ex-officio, nonvoting member of the board. At least three of the appointed members shall have an interest in children with an educational disability or in the field of mental health and at least three of the appointed members shall have an interest in the field of vocational education. The appointed members shall serve for terms of three years and shall continue to serve until their successors are appointed and qualify. A vacancy in the board shall be deemed to exist, and shall be filled, in the manner prescribed in P.L.1979, c.302 (C.40A:9-12.1).

Each appointed member shall be a citizen and resident of the county and shall have been a citizen and resident for at least two years immediately preceding becoming a member of the board. If an appointed member ceases to be a resident of the county, membership on the board shall cease.

c. Of the initial members appointed to the board of education established pursuant to subsection a. of this section, two shall serve a one-year term, two shall serve a two-year term, and two shall serve a three-year term. Thereafter when a term of one of the appointed members expires, the vacancy shall be filled as provided pursuant to this section and the member shall serve a three-year term from November 1 next succeeding the date of his appointment.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.222, s.1)

123. N.J.S.18A:51-3 is amended to read as follows:

18A:51-3. The first members of the commission shall be appointed forthwith by the [county] regional superintendent of the [county] region upon notification that it has been determined to establish such a center and they shall serve until June 30 next ensuing.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:51-3)

124. N.J.S.18A:51-4 is amended to read as follows:

18A:51-4. On or before said June 30 and annually thereafter, the [county] regional superintendent shall call a meeting of all of the members of the boards of education of the participating school districts for the election of permanent members of the commission. At such first meeting one member of the first class and one member of the second class, shall be elected for terms of one year, two years and three years, each, beginning on July 1 next succeeding, and if there be no county library in the county, the librarian member shall be elected for a term of one year. At each subsequent meeting one member of each class shall be elected to serve for a term of three years and a librarian member to serve for one year shall be elected, also, if there be no county library in the county. In all cases the vote of the majority of the members of the boards of education of the participating school districts present and voting shall be necessary for election. Vacancies in the commission shall be filled by the remaining members of the commission according to the qualifications hereinbefore provided for original appointments and they shall serve for the unexpired terms only.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:51-4)

125. N.J.S.18A:51-5 is amended to read as follows:

18A:51-5. Each county educational audiovisual aids commission shall organize by the election of a chairman and a vice chairman from its own membership and shall adopt rules for the establishment and maintenance of said center. The [county] regional superintendent shall serve as secretary of the commission, and the county treasurer of the county shall serve as custodian of all moneys and funds of the commission from whatever source derived, without compensation. The county treasurer as such custodian shall keep said moneys and funds in a separate and distinct account and shall disburse the same on orders signed by the chairman and secretary of the commission. Before entering upon his duties as such custodian he shall be required to give additional bond or to renew his bond as county treasurer, in such manner as to cover and secure the faithful performance of his duties as such custodian and any additional premium shall be paid by the commission.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:51-5)

126. N.J.S.18A:54-16 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-16. For each county system of vocational schools established in accordance with this chapter, there shall be a board of education consisting of the [county] regional superintendent of schools and four persons to be appointed; provided, however, that a county of the first class which has adopted a form of government pursuant to the provisions of the "Optional County Charter Law" (P.L.1972, c.154; C.40:41A-1 et seq.) may, by ordinance, establish a board of education consisting of six, seven, or nine persons to be appointed and any other county may, by ordinance, establish a board of education consisting of six persons to be appointed.

In counties of the first class which, by ordinance, have established a board consisting of six, seven, or nine persons to be appointed, the appointive members shall be appointed by the chief elected executive officer of the county with the advice and consent of the board of chosen freeholders. In all other counties, the appointive members of the board shall be appointed by the chief elected executive officer of the county, or the director of the board of chosen freeholders, with the advice and consent of that board, as appropriate to the appointment procedures established by the form of government of the county. On a board with four appointive members, not more than two members, or in the case of a board with six appointive members, not more than three members, appointed in any such county of the second, third, fifth or sixth class shall be members of the same political party, but no changes for adjustment of party representation shall be made in a board except as vacancies occur.

In making the first appointments to a board with four appointive members, one person shall be appointed to serve for one year, one for two years, one for three years and one for four years from November 1 next succeeding the date of their respective appointments. In a county of the first class which, by ordinance, has established a board with seven appointive members, the chief elected executive officer shall make the first appointments to the board in the following manner: two shall be appointed to serve for one year, two for two years, two for three years, and one for four years from November 1 next succeeding the date of their respective appointments. The persons so appointed shall also serve from the date of their respective appointments until November 1 next ensuing.

In the case of a board of education with four appointive members on the effective date of P.L.2005, c.299 (C.18A:54-16.14 et al.) in a county of the first class or any other county which determines by ordinance to appoint a board with six appointive members, in making the initial appointment of the two additional members, one person shall be appointed to serve for two years and one person shall be appointed to serve for four years from November 1 next succeeding the date of their respective appointments.

In the case of a board of education with four appointive members on the effective date of P.L.2005, c.299 (C.18A:54-16.14 et al.) in a county of the first class which determines by ordinance to appoint a board with seven appointive members, in making the initial appointment of the three additional members, one person shall be appointed to serve for two years, one person shall be appointed to serve for three years, and one person shall be appointed to serve for four years from November 1 next succeeding the date of their respective appointments.

In the case of a board of education with four appointive members on the effective date of P.L.2005, c.299 (C.18A:54-16.14 et al.) in a county of the first class which determines by ordinance to appoint a board with nine appointive members, in making the initial appointment of the five additional members, one person shall be appointed to serve for one year, one person shall be appointed to serve for two years, one person shall be appointed to serve for three years, and two persons shall be appointed to serve for four years from November 1 next succeeding the date of their respective appointments.

In the case of a board of education with seven appointive members on the effective date of P.L.2005, c.299 (C.18A:54-16.14 et al.) in a county of the first class which determines by ordinance to appoint a board with nine appointive members, in making the initial appointment of the two additional members, one person shall be appointed to serve for two years and one person shall be appointed to serve for four years from November 1 next succeeding the date of their respective appointments.

Annually during the month of October a member or members, as the case may be, of the board shall be appointed to serve for a term of four years, and thereafter until the appointment and qualification of his respective successor, to take the place of the member or members, as the case may be, whose term or terms shall expire on November 1 then next ensuing.

A vacancy in the board shall be deemed to exist, and shall be filled, in the manner prescribed in P.L.1979, c.302 (C.40A:9-12.1).

(cf: P.L.2005, c.299, s.1)

127. Section 2 of P.L.1993, c.314 (C.18A:54E-2) is amended to read as follows:

2. Each [county] regional superintendent shall create a business advisory board or shall designate a Workforce Investment Board created by the State Employment and Training Commission in the Department of Labor or a Private Industry Council established pursuant to the Job Training and Partnership Act to perform the functions of the business advisory board under this act.

Membership on the business advisory board shall be open to interested local businesses which wish to assist students enrolled in a program involving vocational or technical training in a public secondary school or community college jointly engaged in such a program with a public secondary school. The [county] regional superintendent shall be chairman of the business advisory board, and the board shall meet monthly. The [county] regional superintendent shall appoint a program coordinator who shall be charged with administering the program at local board levels. All members of the board shall serve without compensation and for a three year term.

(cf: P.L.1993, c.314, s.2)

128. Section 4 of P.L.1993, c.314 (C.18A:54E-4) is amended to read as follows:

4. The board or council shall provide upon the request of the [county] regional superintendent a rating of the effectiveness of any program designed to prepare students for employment, based on the preparedness of students who are in their employment. The board shall also make recommendations to the local school board through the [county] regional superintendent regarding suggested curriculum changes or other methods to improve those programs designed to prepare students for employment in a vocation or technical field.

(cf: P.L.1993, c.314, s.4)

129. N.J.S.18A:55-2 is amended to read as follows:

18A:55-2. The commissioner shall direct the State treasurer to withhold funds payable by the State from any district which fails to obey the law or the rules or directions of the State board or the commissioner.

The [executive county] regional superintendent with the approval of the commissioner may direct the secretary or treasurer of the school moneys, as appropriate, of a school district to withhold all moneys received by him from the State treasurer and then remaining in his hands to the credit to the district, whenever the board of education of the district, or any officer thereof, or the legal voters of any school district, or any board or officer of the municipality in which any such school district is situate, shall neglect or refuse to perform any duty imposed upon such board, officer, or legal voters by this title or by the rules of the State board. The secretary or treasurer, as appropriate, shall withhold such moneys until he shall receive notice from the [county] regional superintendent that the board, officer, or legal voters have performed such duty.

(cf: P.L.2010, c.39, s.33)

130. N.J.S.18A:56-15 is amended to read as follows:

18A:56-15. The income of the school fund shall be paid into the general fund of the state treasury, and shall be used for the support of public schools, the payment of salaries of [county] regional superintendents and the payment of accrued interest on bonds purchased for the fund, the payment of interest on, and the purchase of, bonds issued locally for school purposes to the extent and within the limits provided by law, and for no other use or purpose whatsoever. The payment of premiums on bonds purchased shall be made out of the investment account.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:56-15)

131. N.J.S.18A:64A-8 is amended to read as follows:

18A:64A-8. For each county college there shall be a board of trustees, consisting of the [county] regional superintendent of schools and 10 persons, eight of whom shall be appointed by the appointing authority of the county with the advice and consent of the board of chosen freeholders, at least two of whom shall be women and two of whom shall be appointed by the Governor, according to criteria and for such initial terms as shall be established. However, no trustee shall be appointed after July 1, 1994 who is an employee of a constituent county. The president of the college shall serve as an ex officio member of the board of trustees without vote. In addition, the student body of each county college shall be entitled to elect from the graduating class one representative to serve as a member on the board of trustees for a term of one year commencing at the first meeting of the board in July following graduation of his class. The student representative may be granted voting rights by a majority vote of the members of the board of trustees. If the board of trustees grants the student representative voting rights and all members of the board are present at the board meeting and there is a tie vote, the chairman shall break the tie.

The appointing authority of the county shall establish a trustee search committee of not less than five members who shall be residents of the county. The members of the trustee search committee shall not be elected public officials and shall not be eligible for appointment to the board of trustees for a period of six months after their service on the trustee search committee. The trustee search committee shall nominate individuals for consideration by the appointing authority of the county for appointment to the board of trustees.

When a county college is established by more than one county, the board of trustees shall be increased by two members for each additional participating county. The membership of the board of trustees shall be apportioned by the commission among the several counties as nearly as may be according to the number of inhabitants in each county as shown by the last federal census, officially promulgated in this State. Each apportionment shall continue in effect until a reapportionment shall become necessary by reason of the official promulgation of the next federal census or the enlargement of the board by the admission of one or more additional counties as provided for in section 18A:64A-24. Each county shall be entitled to have at least two members and the [county] regional superintendent of the schools of said county on the board of trustees.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.147, s.1)

132. Section 3 of P.L.1974, c.89 (C.18A:64A-32) is amended to read as follows:

3. The community college commission shall consist of the [county] regional superintendent of schools and nine public members who are residents of the county and have resided therein for a period of four years prior to their appointment having no official connection with educational institutions contracting with the commission. No elected public official shall serve as a voting member of the commission. The president of the commission shall be an ex officio member of the commission without vote.

Seven of the public members shall be appointed by the appointing authority of the county, with the advice and consent of the board of chosen freeholders, and two of the members shall be appointed by the Governor, for such initial terms as shall be established by the board. Members shall be appointed for terms of four years each, except that the initial appointments shall be made in four classes as nearly equal as possible in number, one class to serve for one year, one class to serve for two years, one class to serve for three years, and one class to serve for four years. The term of all members of the commission shall begin on July 1. Members initially appointed to the commission may serve from the time of their respective appointments, but the term of such office shall be deemed to commence as of July 1 of the year in which the appointment was made. Each member shall serve until his successor shall have been appointed and qualified. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments and for the remainder of the unexpired terms. Any appointed member may be removed by the appointing authority of the county for cause upon notice and opportunity to be heard. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation for their services, but shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by virtue of services as a member of the commission.

A voting member of a community college commission shall not be eligible to accept employment of the college at which he has served as a member of the commission for a period of two years following resignation or expiration of his term as a member.

The appointing authority of the county shall establish a trustee search committee of not less than five members who shall be residents of the county. The members of the trustee search committee shall not be elected public officials and shall not be eligible for appointment to the board of trustees for a period of six months after their service on the trustee search committee. The trustee search committee shall nominate persons for consideration by the appointing authority of the county for appointment to the board of trustees.

(cf: P.L.1994, c.48, s.151)

133. Section 4 of P.L.1974, c.89 (C.18A:64A-33) is amended to read as follows:

4. When a community college commission is established by more than one county, the number of public members shall be increased by two for each additional participating county. Each county shall also be represented by the [county] regional superintendent of schools of the region in which the county is situate.

(cf: P.L.1981, c.329, s.8)

134. Section 6 of P.L.1982, c.42 (C.18A:64A-55) is amended to read as follows:

6. The board of trustees shall include seven public trustees, consisting of the [county] regional superintendent of schools, four members appointed by the board of chosen freeholders, and two citizens of the county appointed by the Governor, and four trustees appointed by the board of governors from among its members. However, no trustee shall be appointed after July 1, 1994 who is an employee of a constituent county. In addition, the student body shall be entitled to elect from the graduating class one representative to serve as a member of the board of trustees for a term of one year commencing at the first meeting of the board in July following graduation of his class. The student representative may be granted voting rights by a majority vote of the members of the board of trustees. If the board of trustees grants the student representative voting rights and all members of the board are present at the board meeting and there is a tie vote, the chairman shall break the tie.

All appointive members shall be residents of the county for a period of four years prior to appointment and no elected public official or employee of the county college shall serve as a voting member of the board. The terms of office of the appointive members shall be four years, except for the first appointment. Terms of those initially appointed by the chairman of the board of chosen freeholders shall expire, respectively, one, two, three and four years after appointment. Of those appointed by the Governor, one person shall be appointed for a term of two years and one for a term of four years. Of the members appointed by the board of governors, one person shall be appointed for a term of one year, one for a term of two years, one for a term of three years, and one for a term of four years.

Each member shall serve until his successor is appointed and qualified.

Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired term. Upon notice and opportunity to be heard, an appointee may be removed for cause by the body originally making the appointment. Members shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.147, s.2)

135. N.J.S.18A:66-2 is amended to read as follows:

18A:66-2. As used in this article:

a. "Accumulated deductions" means the sum of all the amounts, deducted from the compensation of a member or contributed by or in behalf of the member, including interest credited to January 1, 1956, standing to the credit of the member's individual account in the annuity savings fund.

b. "Annuity" means payments for life derived from the accumulated deductions of a member as provided in this article.

c. "Beneficiary" means any person receiving a retirement allowance or other benefit as provided in this article.

d. (1) "Compensation" means the contractual salary, for services as a teacher as defined in this article, which is in accordance with established salary policies of the member's employer for all employees in the same position but shall not include individual salary adjustments which are granted primarily in anticipation of the member's retirement or additional remuneration for performing temporary or extracurricular duties beyond the regular school day or the regular school year.

(2) In the case of a person who becomes a member of the retirement system on or after July 1, 2007, "compensation" means the amount of the contractual salary equivalent to the annual maximum wage contribution base for Social Security, pursuant to the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, for services as a teacher as defined in this article, which is in accordance with established salary policies of the member's employer for all employees in the same position but shall not include individual salary adjustments which are granted primarily in anticipation of the member's retirement or additional remuneration for performing temporary or extracurricular duties beyond the regular school day or the regular school year. This paragraph shall not apply to a person who at the time of enrollment in the retirement system on or after July 1, 2007 transfers service credit from another State-administered retirement system pursuant to N.J.S.18A:66-15.1, but shall apply to a former member of the retirement system who has been granted a retirement allowance and is reenrolled in the retirement system on or after July 1, 2007 pursuant to N.J.S.18A:66-53.2 after becoming employed again in a position that makes the person eligible to be a member of the retirement system.

For the period of July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011, "contractual salary" for State employees shall include wage increases under a collective negotiations agreement notwithstanding that, by amendment to that collective negotiations agreement, the effective date of the contractual increase has been deferred. For the purpose of this paragraph, "State employee" means an employee in the Executive Branch of State government of New Jersey.

e. "Employer" means the State, the board of education or any educational institution or agency of or within the State by which a teacher is paid.

f. (1) "Final compensation" means the average annual compensation for which contributions are made for the three years of creditable service in New Jersey immediately preceding the member's retirement or death, or it shall mean the average annual compensation for New Jersey service for which contributions are made during any three fiscal years of his or her membership providing the largest possible benefit to the member or the member's beneficiary.

(2) In the case of a person who becomes a member of the retirement system on or after the effective date of P.L.2010, c.1, "final compensation" means the average annual compensation for which contributions are made for the five years of creditable service in New Jersey immediately preceding the member's retirement or death, or it shall mean the average annual compensation for New Jersey service for which contributions are made during any five fiscal years of his or her membership providing the largest possible benefit to the member or the member's beneficiary.

g. "Fiscal year" means any year commencing with July 1, and ending with June 30, next following.

h. "Pension" means payments for life derived from appropriations made by the State or employers to the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund.

i. "Annuity reserve" means the present value of all payments to be made on account of any annuity or benefit in lieu of an annuity, granted under the provisions of this article, computed on the basis of such mortality tables recommended by the actuary as the board of trustees adopts, with regular interest.

j. "Pension reserve" means the present value of all payments to be made on account of any pension or benefit in lieu of a pension granted to a member from the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund, computed on the basis of such mortality tables recommended by the actuary as the board of trustees adopts, with regular interest.

k. "Present-entrant" means any member of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund who had established status as a "present-entrant member" of said fund prior to January 1, 1956.

l. "Rate of contribution initially certified" means the rate of contribution certified by the retirement system in accordance with N.J.S.18A:66-29.

m. "Regular interest" shall mean interest as determined by the State Treasurer, after consultation with the Directors of the Divisions of Investment and Pensions, the board of trustees and the actuary. It shall bear a reasonable relationship to the percentage rate of earnings on investments based on the market value of assets but shall not exceed the assumed percentage rate of increase applied to salaries plus 3%, provided however that the board of trustees shall not set the average percentage rate of increase applied to salaries below 6%.

n. "Retirement allowance" means the pension plus the annuity.

o. "School service" means any service as a "teacher" as defined in this section.

p. "Teacher" means any regular teacher, special teacher, helping teacher, teacher clerk, principal, vice-principal, supervisor, supervising principal, director, superintendent, city superintendent, assistant city superintendent, [county] regional superintendent, State Commissioner or Assistant Commissioner of Education, members of the State Department of Education who are certificated, unclassified professional staff and other members of the teaching or professional staff of any class, public school, high school, normal school, model school, training school, vocational school, truant reformatory school, or parental school, and of any and all classes or schools within the State conducted under the order and superintendence, and wholly or partly at the expense of the State Board of Education, of a duly elected or appointed board of education, board of school directors, or board of trustees of the State or of any school district or normal school district thereof, and any persons under contract or engagement to perform one or more of these functions. It shall also mean any person who serves, while on an approved leave of absence from regular duties as a teacher, as an officer of a local, county or State labor organization which represents, or is affiliated with an organization which represents, teachers as defined in this subsection. No person shall be deemed a teacher within the meaning of this article who is a substitute teacher. In all cases of doubt the board of trustees shall determine whether any person is a teacher as defined in this article.

q. "Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund," hereinafter referred to as the "retirement system" or "system," is the corporate name of the arrangement for the payment of retirement allowances and other benefits under the provisions of this article, including the several funds placed under said system. By that name all its business shall be transacted, its funds invested, warrants for money drawn, and payments made and all of its cash and securities and other property held.

r. "Veteran" means any honorably discharged officer, soldier, sailor, airman, marine or nurse who served in any Army, Air Force or Navy of the Allies of the United States in World War I between July 14, 1914, and November 11, 1918, or who served in any Army, Air Force or Navy of the Allies of the United States in World War II, between September 1, 1939, and September 2, 1945, and who was inducted into such service through voluntary enlistment, and was a citizen of the United States at the time of such enlistment, and who did not, during or by reason of such service, renounce or lose United States citizenship, and any officer, soldier, sailor, marine, airman, nurse or army field clerk who has served in the active military or naval service of the United States and has or shall be discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable, in any of the following wars, uprisings, insurrections, expeditions or emergencies, and who has presented to the retirement system evidence of such record of service in form and content satisfactory to said retirement system:

(1) The Indian wars and uprisings during any of the periods recognized by the War Department of the United States as periods of active hostility;

(2) The Spanish-American War between April 20, 1898, and April 11, 1899;

(3) The Philippine insurrections and expeditions during the periods recognized by the War Department of the United States as of active hostility from February 4, 1899, to the end of 1913;

(4) The Peking relief expedition between June 20, 1900, and May 27, 1902;

(5) The army of Cuban occupation between July 18, 1898, and May 20, 1902;

(6) The army of Cuban pacification between October 6, 1906, and April 1, 1909;

(7) The Mexican punitive expedition between March 14, 1916, and February 7, 1917;

(8) The Mexican border patrol, having actually participated in engagements against Mexicans between April 12, 1911, and June 16, 1919;

(9) World War I, between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918;

(10) World War II, between September 16, 1940, and December 31, 1946, who shall have served at least 90 days in such active service, exclusive of any period of assignment (1) for a course of education or training under the Army Specialized Training Program or the Navy College Training Program, which course was a continuation of a civilian course and was pursued to completion, or (2) as a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies, any part of which 90 days was served between said dates; provided that any person receiving an actual service-incurred injury or disability shall be classed as a veteran, whether or not that person has completed the 90-day service as herein provided;

(11) Korean conflict on or after June 23, 1950, and on or prior to January 31, 1955, who shall have served at least 90 days in such active service, exclusive of any period of assignment (1) for a course of education or training under the Army Specialized Training Program or the Navy College Training Program, which course was a continuation of a civilian course and was pursued to completion, or (2) as a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies, any part of which 90 days was served between said dates; provided that any person receiving an actual service-incurred injury or disability shall be classed as a veteran, whether or not that person has completed the 90-day service as herein provided; and provided further that any member classed as a veteran pursuant to this subsection prior to August 1, 1966, shall continue to be classed as a veteran, whether or not that person completed the 90-day service between said dates as herein provided;

(12) Lebanon crisis, on or after July 1, 1958, who has served in Lebanon or on board any ship actively engaged in patrolling the territorial waters of that nation for a period, continuous or in the aggregate, of at least 14 days commencing on or before November 1, 1958 or the date of termination of that conflict, as proclaimed by the President of the United States or Congress, whichever date of termination is the latest, in such active service; provided, that any person receiving an actual service-incurred injury or disability shall be classed as a veteran whether or not that person has completed the 14 days' service as herein provided;

(13) Vietnam conflict, on or after December 31, 1960, and on or prior to May 7, 1975, who shall have served at least 90 days in such active service, exclusive of any period of assignment (1) for a course of education or training under the Army Specialized Training Program or the Navy College Training Program, which course was a continuation of a civilian course and was pursued to completion, or (2) as a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies, any part of which 90 days was served between said dates; and exclusive of any service performed pursuant to the provisions of section 511(d) of Title 10, United States Code, pursuant to an enlistment in the Army National Guard or as a reserve for service in the Army Reserve, Naval Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, or Coast Guard Reserve; provided that any person receiving an actual service-incurred injury or disability shall be classed as a veteran, whether or not that person has completed the 90-day service as herein provided;

(14) Lebanon peacekeeping mission, on or after September 26, 1982, who has served in Lebanon or on board any ship actively engaged in patrolling the territorial waters of that nation for a period, continuous or in the aggregate, of at least 14 days commencing on or before December 1, 1987 or the date of termination of that mission, as proclaimed by the President of the United States or Congress, whichever date of termination is the latest, in such active service; provided, that any person receiving an actual service-incurred injury or disability shall be classed as a veteran whether or not that person has completed the 14 days' service as herein provided;

(15) Grenada peacekeeping mission, on or after October 23, 1983, who has served in Grenada or on board any ship actively engaged in patrolling the territorial waters of that nation for a period, continuous or in the aggregate, of at least 14 days commencing on or before November 21, 1983 or the date of termination of that mission, as proclaimed by the President of the United States or Congress, whichever date of termination is the latest, in such active service; provided, that any person receiving an actual service-incurred injury or disability shall be classed as a veteran whether or not that person has completed the 14 days' service as herein provided;

(16) Panama peacekeeping mission, on or after December 20, 1989 or the date of inception of that mission, as proclaimed by the President of the United States or Congress, whichever date of inception is earliest, who has served in Panama or on board any ship actively engaged in patrolling the territorial waters of that nation for a period, continuous or in the aggregate, of at least 14 days commencing on or before January 31, 1990 or the date of termination of that mission, as proclaimed by the President of the United States or Congress, whichever date of termination is the latest, in such active service; provided, that any person receiving an actual service-incurred injury or disability shall be classed as a veteran whether or not that person has completed the 14 days' service as herein provided;

(17) Operation "Desert Shield/Desert Storm" mission in the Arabian peninsula and the Persian Gulf, on or after August 2, 1990 or the date of inception of that operation, as proclaimed by the President of the United States or Congress, whichever date of inception is earliest, who has served in the Arabian peninsula or on board any ship actively engaged in patrolling the Persian Gulf for a period, continuous or in the aggregate, of at least 14 days commencing on or before the date of termination of that mission, as proclaimed by the President of the United States or Congress, whichever date of termination is the latest, in such active service; provided, that any person receiving an actual service-incurred injury or disability shall be classed as a veteran whether or not that person has completed the 14 days' service as herein provided;

(18) Operation Northern Watch and Operation Southern Watch, on or after August 27, 1992, or the date of inception of that operation, as proclaimed by the President of the United States, Congress or United States Secretary of Defense, whichever date of inception is earliest, who served in the theater of operation, including in the Arabian peninsula and the Persian Gulf, and in direct support of that operation for a period, continuously or in the aggregate, of at least 14 days in such active service, commencing on or before the date of termination of the operation, as proclaimed by the President of the United States, Congress or United States Secretary of Defense, whichever date of termination is latest; provided, that any person receiving an actual service-incurred injury or disability while engaged in such service shall be classed as a veteran whether or not that person has completed the 14 days' service as herein provided;

(19) Operation "Restore Hope" in Somalia, on or after December 5, 1992, or the date of inception of that operation as proclaimed by the President of the United States or Congress, whichever date is earliest, who has served in Somalia or on board any ship actively engaged in patrolling the territorial waters of that nation for a period, continuously or in the aggregate, of at least 14 days in such active service commencing on or before March 31, 1994; provided that any person receiving an actual service-incurred injury or disability shall be classed as a veteran whether or not that person has completed the 14-day service as herein provided;

(20) Operations "Joint Endeavor" and "Joint Guard" in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, on or after November 20, 1995, who served in such active service in direct support of one or both of the operations for at least 14 days, continuously or in the aggregate, commencing on or before June 20, 1998, and (1) was deployed in that nation or in another area in the region, or (2) was on board a United States naval vessel operating in the Adriatic Sea, or (3) operated in airspace above the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina; provided that any person receiving an actual service-incurred injury or disability shall be classed as a veteran whether or not that person completed the 14-day service requirement;

(21) Operation "Enduring Freedom", on or after September 11, 2001, who served in a theater of operation and in direct support of that operation for a period, continuously or in the aggregate, of at least 14 days in such active service commencing on or before the date the President of the United States or the United States Secretary of Defense designates as the termination date of that operation; provided, that any person receiving an actual service-incurred injury or disability while engaged in such service shall be classed as a veteran whether or not that person has completed the 14 days' service as herein provided; and

(22) Operation "Iraqi Freedom", on or after the date the President of the United States or the United States Secretary of Defense designates as the inception date of that operation, who served in Iraq or in another area in the region in direct support of that operation for a period, continuously or in the aggregate, of at least 14 days in such active service commencing on or before the date the President of the United States or the United States Secretary of Defense designates as the termination date of that operation; provided, that any person receiving an actual service-incurred injury or disability while engaged in such service shall be classed as a veteran whether or not that person has completed the 14 days' service as herein provided.

"Veteran" also means any honorably discharged member of the American Merchant Marine who served during World War II and is declared by the United States Department of Defense to be eligible for federal veterans' benefits.

s. "Child" means a deceased member's unmarried child either (a) under the age of 18 or (b) of any age who, at the time of the member's death, is disabled because of mental retardation or physical incapacity, is unable to do any substantial, gainful work because of the impairment and the impairment has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, as affirmed by the medical board.

t. (1) "Widower," for employees of the State, means the man to whom a member was married, or a domestic partner as defined in section 3 of P.L.2003, c.246 (C.26:8A-3), at least five years before the date of her death and to whom she continued to be married or a domestic partner until the date of her death and who was receiving at least one-half of his support from the member in the 12-month period immediately preceding the member's death or the accident which was the direct cause of the member's death. The dependency of such a widower will be considered terminated by marriage of, or establishment of a domestic partnership by, the widower subsequent to the death of the member. In the event of the payment of an accidental death benefit, the five-year qualification shall be waived.

(2) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (3) of this subsection, "widower," for employees of public employers other than the State, means the man to whom a member was married at least five years before the date of her death and to whom she continued to be married until the date of her death and who was receiving at least one-half of his support from the member in the 12-month period immediately preceding the member's death or the accident which was the direct cause of the member's death. The dependency of such a widower shall be considered terminated by marriage of the widower subsequent to the death of the member. In the event of the payment of an accidental death benefit, the five-year qualification shall be waived.

(3) A public employer other than the State may adopt a resolution providing that the term "widower" as defined in paragraph (2) of this subsection shall include domestic partners as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

u. (1) "Widow," for employees of the State, means the woman to whom a member was married, or a domestic partner as defined in section 3 of P.L.2003, c.246 (C.26:8A-3), at least five years before the date of his death and to whom he continued to be married or a domestic partner until the date of his death and who was receiving at least one-half of her support from the member in the 12-month period immediately preceding the member's death or the accident which was the direct cause of the member's death. The dependency of such a widow will be considered terminated by the marriage of, or establishment of a domestic partnership by, the widow subsequent to the member's death. In the event of the payment of an accidental death benefit, the five-year qualification shall be waived.

(2) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (3) of this subsection, "widow," for employees of public employers other than the State, means the woman to whom a member was married at least five years before the date of his death and to whom he continued to be married until the date of his death and who was receiving at least one-half of her support from the member in the 12-month period immediately preceding the member's death or the accident which was the direct cause of the member's death. The dependency of such a widow shall be considered terminated by the marriage of the widow subsequent to the member's death. In the event of the payment of an accidental death benefit, the five-year qualification shall be waived.

v. "Parent" means the parent of a member who was receiving at least one-half of the parent's support from the member in the 12-month period immediately preceding the member's death or the accident which was the direct cause of the member's death. The dependency of such a parent will be considered terminated by marriage of the parent subsequent to the death of the member.

w. "Medical board" means the board of physicians provided for in N.J.S.18A:66-56.

x. (1) "Spouse," for employees of the State, means the husband or wife, or domestic partner as defined in section 3 of P.L.2003, c.246 (C.26:8A-3), of a member.

(2) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, "spouse," for employees of public employers other than the State, means the husband or wife of a member.

(3) A public employer other than the State may adopt a resolution providing that the term "spouse" as defined in paragraph (2) of this subsection shall include domestic partners as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(cf: P.L.2010, c.1, s.20)

136. N.J.S.18A:66-96 is amended to read as follows:

18A:66-96. For the purpose of forming such a corporation the [county] regional superintendent of schools [in each county of the first class] shall notify in writing each and every employee of the several boards of education of the school districts [in his county] located in his region and in a county of the first class, except such as are entitled to benefits under another pension law which may have been enacted prior to April 16, 1929, for the benefit of employees of boards of education, to attend a meeting to be held not less than five days after the giving of the notice, to consider the formation of a corporation in accordance with this article. The notice shall specify the time and place of the meeting of such employees.

If two thirds of the employees present at the meeting adopt a resolution to form the corporation, they shall choose a name for the corporation, and organize by electing four of such employees who, together with the [county] regional superintendent as a member ex officio, shall constitute a board of trustees.

The first trustees shall prepare and sign a certificate reciting the adoption of the resolution by the employees, the name adopted, the election of trustees, the organization, the names of officers, and the execution of the certificate, for the purpose of forming a corporation under this article. The certificate shall be recorded in the office of the clerk of the county wherein the corporation is organized, and shall then be filed in the office of the commissioner of banking and insurance. Thereupon such trustees, their associates and successors, shall become a body politic and corporate with all the power incident thereto.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:66-96)

137. N.J.S.18A:66-118 is amended to read as follows:

18A:66-118. The [county] regional superintendent of schools is hereby authorized and permitted to purchase from one or more life insurance companies, a policy or policies of group life insurance to provide for the noncontributory death benefit and the contributory death benefit as provided in section 18A:66-117.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:66-118)

138. N.J.S.18A:66-120 is amended to read as follows:

18A:66-120. a. In the event the [county] regional superintendent of schools shall determine to purchase group life insurance coverage for the noncontributory death benefits, premiums for the same shall be paid from a special fund, hereby created, called the "group insurance premium fund." The [county] regional superintendent of schools shall estimate annually the amount of premiums which will be required for such benefits for the ensuing fiscal year and shall certify such amounts to the participating employers as due and owing from them. The participating employers shall pay over to the [county] regional superintendent of schools the amount for premiums so certified and the [county] regional superintendent of schools shall deposit these amounts in the group insurance premium fund.

b. In the event that the [county] regional superintendent of schools shall determine to purchase group coverage for the contributory death benefits, premiums for same shall be paid from a special fund hereby created called the "contributory group insurance premium fund." While such group coverage shall be in force, the contributions from the compensation of members or on behalf of members to provide such contributory death benefits shall be accumulated in said contributory group insurance premium fund.

c. Any dividend or retrospective rate credit allowed by an insurance company shall be accredited to the aforesaid funds in an equitable manner. During the period such group insurance policy or policies are in effect, there shall be no commingling of the moneys in said funds with any other fund established pursuant to this article.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:66-120)

139. Section 3 of P.L.1973, c.8 (C.18A:66-126.11) is amended to read as follows:

3. If Social Security coverage is extended to members of the pension fund, the provisions of P.L.1956, c.169 shall apply to such members of said pension fund subject to the following provisos:

a. Any member of the pension fund who was a member on or before June 26, 1962 and who has or shall hereafter have credit in the pension fund and the retirement system for 30 years or more as an employee of a board of education, shall, upon application to the board of trustees of the retirement system, be retired by such board of trustees and shall thereupon receive annually, for and during the remainder of his life, by way of a retirement allowance, an amount equal to 1/60 of the average annual salary received by him during the 3 years immediately preceding his retirement multiplied by the number of years he has credit in the pension fund and the retirement system as an employee of a board of education.

Any such retirement allowance payable under this subsection shall be in lieu of the retirement benefits which would accrue to the said employee under the retirement system or any retirement system established by the State or any of its political subdivisions.

b. The transfer of prior service, contributing membership credit, and the moneys attributable to the accounts of public employee veteran members of the pension fund to the retirement system shall not alter the service credit previously established.

c. All pensions granted by the pension fund shall be payable by the retirement system in equal monthly installments.

d. All purchases of service credit contracted with the pension fund shall be continued without alteration in terms of credit to be established, the cost and the amount of the additional payroll deductions prescribed for such purchase.

e. All reserves and moneys held by the insurance carrier under contracts provided by employer and employee contributions to the [county] regional superintendent of schools, the policyholder, shall be transferred and merged with those maintained for all members of the retirement system.

f. If a transferring member was not covered by either or both noncontributory and contributory death benefit coverages, he may be allowed the death benefits of the retirement system, provided, however, that such member must furnish satisfactory evidence of insurability and on the effective date of his membership in the retirement system is actively at work and performing all his regular duties at his customary place of employment. The effective date of coverage for such benefits shall be on the first day of the month which immediately follows the date when such evidence is determined to be satisfactory.

Such evidence of insurability will not be required of any transferring member if such member was covered by such benefits immediately prior to the transfer.

(cf: P.L.1973, c.8, s.3)

140. R.S.19:17-3 is amended to read as follows:

19:17-3. After the district board shall have made up and certified such statements, it shall at the same time and with the ballot boxes, as hereinafter provided, deliver or safely transmit one of the statements to the clerk of the municipality wherein such election is held, who shall forthwith file the same. In counties having a superintendent of elections one of such statements shall forthwith be filed with the superintendent of elections of the county. The superintendent may arrange to accept such certificates in such municipality within the county at the office of the clerk of such municipality or some other convenient place. Any municipal clerk who shall refuse to permit such superintendent or his deputies or assistants access to his office for the purpose of collecting such certificates or any municipal clerk or other person who shall interfere or obstruct the superintendent, his deputies or assistants in the collection of such certificates, or any member of a district board who shall willfully fail or refuse to deliver such statement to the superintendent, his deputies or assistants as the case may be, shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. In all counties the board shall, immediately after election, deliver or safely transmit another of the statements to the clerk of the county, who shall forthwith file the same.

For a school election a statement shall also be delivered to the board of education of the district holding the election and to the [county] regional superintendent of schools in the county in which the district is situated.

If officers were voted for or public questions were voted upon at the election by the voters of the entire State or of more than one county thereof, or of a congressional district, then the board shall, immediately after the election, inclose, seal up and transmit the fourth statement to the Attorney General by mail in stamped envelopes to be furnished by the Attorney General, addressing the same in the following manner: "To the Attorney General of New Jersey, Trenton, New Jersey." Upon receiving such statements the Attorney General shall forthwith file the same in his office.

(cf: P.L.2005, c.154, s.4)

141. Section 4 of P.L.1983, c.531 (C.26:2B-33) is amended to read as follows:

4. a. The governing body of each county, in conjunction with the county agency, or individual, designated by the county with the responsibility for planning services and programs for the care or rehabilitation of alcoholics and drug abusers, shall submit to the Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse an annual comprehensive plan for the provision of community services to meet the needs of alcoholics and drug abusers.

b. The annual comprehensive plan shall address the needs of urban areas with a population of 100,000 or over and shall demonstrate linkage with existing resources which serve alcoholics and drug abusers and their families. Special attention in the plan shall be given to alcoholism and drug abuse and youth; drinking and drug abusing drivers; women and alcoholism and drug abuse; the disabled and alcoholism and drug abuse; alcoholism and drug abuse on the job; alcoholism and drug abuse and crime; public information; and educational programs as defined in subsection c. of this section. Each county shall identify, within its annual comprehensive plan, the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center which shall service its population, as is required under subsection (f) of R.S.39:4-50. The plan may involve the provision of programs and services by the county, by an agreement with a State agency, by private organizations, including volunteer groups, or by some specified combination of the above.

If the State in any year fails to deposit the amount of tax receipts as is required under section 3 of P.L.1983, c.531 (C.26:2B-32), a county may reduce or eliminate, or both, the operation of existing programs currently being funded from the proceeds deposited in the Alcohol Education, Rehabilitation and Enforcement Fund.

c. Programs established with the funding for education from the fund shall include all courses in the public schools required pursuant to P.L.1987, c.389 (C.18A:40A-1 et seq.), programs for students included in the annual comprehensive plan for each county, and in-service training programs for teachers and administrative support staff including nurses, guidance counselors, child study team members, and librarians. All moneys dedicated to education from the fund shall be allocated through the designated county alcoholism and drug abuse agency and all programs shall be consistent with the annual comprehensive county plan submitted to the Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse pursuant to this section. Moneys dedicated to education from the fund shall be first allocated in an amount not to exceed 20% of the annual education allotment for the in-service training programs, which shall be conducted in each county through the office of the county alcoholism and drug abuse coordinator in consultation with the [county] regional superintendent of schools, local boards of education, local councils on alcoholism and drug abuse and institutions of higher learning, including the Rutgers University Center of Alcohol Studies. The remaining money in the education allotment shall be assigned to offset the costs of programs such as those which assist employees, provide intervention for staff members, assist and provide intervention for students and focus on research and educate about youth and drinking and using drugs. These funds shall not replace any funds being currently spent on education and training by the county.

d. The governing body of each county, in conjunction with the county agency, or individual, designated by the county with responsibility for services and programs for the care or rehabilitation of alcoholics and drug abusers, shall establish a Local Advisory Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse to assist the governing body in development of the annual comprehensive plan. The advisory committee shall consist of no less than 10 nor more than 16 members and shall be appointed by the governing body. At least two of the members shall be recovering alcoholics and at least two of the members shall be recovering drug abusers. The committee shall include the county prosecutor or his designee, a wide range of public and private organizations involved in the treatment of alcohol and drug-related problems and other individuals with interest or experience in issues concerning alcohol and drug abuse. Each committee shall, to the maximum extent feasible, represent the various socioeconomic, racial and ethnic groups of the county in which it serves.

Within 60 days of the effective date of P.L.1989, c.51 (C.26:2BB-1 et al.), the Local Advisory Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse shall organize and elect a chairman from among its members.

e. The Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse shall review the county plan pursuant to a procedure developed by the deputy commissioner. In determining whether to approve an annual comprehensive plan under this act, the deputy commissioner shall consider whether the plan is designed to meet the goals and objectives of the "Alcoholism Treatment and Rehabilitation Act," P.L.1975, c.305 (C.26:2B-7 et seq.) and the "Narcotic and Drug Abuse Control Act of 1969," P.L.1969, c.152 (C.26:2G-1 et seq.) and whether implementation of the plan is feasible. Each county plan submitted to the deputy commissioner shall be presumed valid; provided it is in substantial compliance with the provisions of this act. Where the department fails to approve a county plan, the county may request a court hearing on that determination.

(cf: P.L.1990, c.41, s.5)

142. Section 8 of P.L.1989, c.51 (C.26:2BB-8) is amended to read as follows:

8. a. Each Local Advisory Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1983, c.531 (C.26:2B-33), shall establish a County Alliance Steering Subcommittee in conjunction with regulations adopted by the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. The members of the subcommittee shall include, but not be limited to, private citizens and representatives of the:

(1) Local Advisory Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse;

(2) County Human Services Advisory Council;

(3) [County] Regional Superintendent of Schools;

(4) Existing county council on alcoholism, if any;

(5) County Prosecutor's office;

(6) Family part of the Chancery Division of the Superior Court;

(7) Youth Services Commission;

(8) County School Board Association;

(9) County health agency;

(10) County mental health agency;

(11) Local businesses;

(12) County affiliate of the New Jersey Education Association; and

(13) Other service providers.

b. The functions of the County Alliance Steering Subcommittee shall include:

(1) Development and submission of a County Annual Alliance Plan for the expenditure of funds derived from the "Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund," N.J.S. 2C:35-15;

(2) Development of programs and fiscal guidelines consistent with directives of the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse for the awarding of funds to counties and municipalities for drug and alcohol Alliance activities;

(3) Identification of a network of community leadership for the expansion, replication and development of successful community model programs throughout the county; and

(4) Coordination of projects among and within municipalities to assure cost effectiveness and avoid fragmentation and duplication.

c. The County Alliance Steering Subcommittee shall ensure that the funds dedicated to education pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1983, c.531 (C.54:32C-3.1) do not duplicate the Alliance effort.

d. The Local Advisory Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse shall review and approve the County Annual Alliance Plan and submit this plan by July 1 of each year to the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in the Department of Health and to the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

e. After the County Annual Alliance Plan is returned by the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse to the Local Advisory Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse with the council's proposed recommendations for awarding the Alliance grants, pursuant to subsection c. of section 4 of this amendatory and supplementary act, the committee, in conjunction with the council, may revise its plan in accordance with the council's proposed recommendations.

The revised plan shall be completed in such time that it can be included in the council's recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature that are due on December 1 of each year.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.51, s.8)

143. Section 38 of P.L.1977, c.435 (C.40:43-66.72) is amended to read as follows:

38. If so provided in the plan of consolidation approved by the voters of the participating municipalities pursuant to this act, from and after the date of consolidation the school districts of the consolidated municipalities shall be a single school district which shall be administered pursuant to the provisions of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes, subject to the following provisions:

a. If the school districts of the participating municipalities are all classified as either a type I or type II district, such classification shall be retained;

b. If the school districts of the participating municipalities are classified as both type I and type II districts, the classification of the single school districts within the consolidated municipality shall be specified in the plan of consolidation;

c. If all of the participating municipalities are members of the same regional school district, the consolidated municipality shall continue as a member of such regional school district; provided, however, that the consolidation commission may recommend that the governing body of the consolidated municipality shall, by resolution, apply forthwith to the [county] regional superintendent of schools to make an investigation as to the advisability of constituting the consolidated municipality as a single school district; and,

d. If one or more of the participating municipalities is a member of a regional school district and the other participating municipalities are not, the school districts existing at the time of consolidation shall retain their territory and jurisdiction; provided, however, that the consolidation commission may recommend that the governing body of the consolidated municipality shall, by resolution, apply forthwith to the [county] regional superintendent of schools to make an investigation as to the advisability of constituting the consolidated municipality as a single school district, or of enlarging such regional district so as to include all the territory of the consolidated municipality.

(cf: P.L.1977, c.435, s.38)

144. Section 40 of P.L.1977, c.435 (C.40:43-66.74) is amended to read as follows:

40. a. The members of the first board of a type I school district shall be appointed and take office on the date of consolidation in the manner provided in subarticle 4A of chapter 12 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. All subsequent appointments of members shall be made in accordance with that statute.

b. The members of the first board of a type II school district shall be appointed by the [county] regional superintendent of schools, in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.18A:13-38, and shall take office on the date of consolidation. The first elected members of the board shall be elected in the manner set forth in N.J.S.18A:13-39. All subsequent elected members shall be elected in the manner prescribed in subarticle 4B of chapter 12 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.

c. When any of the participating municipalities is a member of a regional school district, the respective board of education or each of the boards of education in the participating municipalities shall retain their territory and jurisdiction, and the members of such board or boards of education shall continue in office after consolidation until the completion of their terms of office. All subsequent members shall be elected or appointed as provided by law.

(cf: P.L.1977, c.435, s.40)

145. Section 25 of P.L.2007, c.63 (C.40A:65-25) is amended to read as follows:

25. a. The Legislature finds and declares that in order to encourage municipalities to increase efficiency through municipal consolidation for the purpose of reducing expenses borne by their property taxpayers, more flexible options need to be available to the elected municipal officials and voters than are available through the "Municipal Consolidation Act," P.L.1977, c.435 (C.40:43-66.35 et al.).

b. (1) In lieu of the procedures set forth in the "Municipal Consolidation Act," P.L.1977, c.435 (C.40:43-66.35 et al.), the governing bodies from two or more contiguous municipalities may apply to the board for either:

(a) approval of a plan to consolidate their municipalities; or

(b) creation of a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission, as described in subsection c. of this section.

(2) A representative committee of registered voters from two or more contiguous municipalities may petition the board for the creation of a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission, as described in subsection c. of this section. The petition, to be sufficient, shall be signed by the registered and qualified voters of the municipalities in a number at least equal to 10% of the total votes cast in those municipalities at the last preceding general election at which members of the General Assembly were elected. The board shall also accept a combination of applications from local governing bodies, pursuant to subparagraph (b) of paragraph (1) of this subsection, and petitions from representative committees of registered voters, pursuant to this paragraph, from two or more contiguous municipalities, requesting the creation of a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission; however, if each municipality submits an application from its governing body, any proposed consolidation plan shall be approved by voter referendum in each of the municipalities.

(3) The board shall provide application forms and technical assistance to any governing bodies or voters desiring to apply to the board for approval of a consolidation plan or the creation of a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission.

(4) A consolidation commission established pursuant to P.L.1977, c.435 (C.40:43-66.35 et seq.) in the year prior to enactment of sections 1 to 37 of P.L.2007, c.63 (C.40A:65-1 et al.) may apply to the Local Finance Board for approval to use the provisions of sections 25 through 29 of P.L.2007, c.63 (C.40A:65-25 through C.40A:65-29).

c. An application to create a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission shall propose a process to study the feasibility of consolidating the participating municipalities into a single new municipality or merging one into the other. The application shall include provisions for:

(1) the means of selection and qualifications of study commissioners;

(2) the timeframe for the study, which shall be no more than three years, along with key events and deadlines, including time for review of the report by State agencies, which review shall be no less than three months;

(3) whether a preliminary report shall be issued in addition to the final report;

(4) whether the development of a consolidation implementation plan will be a part of the study;

(5) the means for any proposed consolidation plan to be approved; either by voter referendum, by the governing bodies, or both; and

(6) if proposed by a representative group of voters, justification of that group's standing to serve as the community advocate for the consolidation proposal.

d. (1) An application to the board for consideration of a consolidation plan or to create a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission shall be subject to a public hearing within each municipality to be studied, and a joint public hearing in a place that is easily accessible to the residents of both or all of the municipalities.

(2) The public hearings shall be facilitated by the board and conducted in accordance with the provisions of the "Senator Byron M. Baer Open Public Meetings Act," P.L.1975, c.231 (C.10:4-6 et seq.).

(3) After approval of a plan by the board, it may be amended upon petition to the board by the applicant. Based on the nature of the amendment, the board may decide to hold a public hearing in any of the municipalities affected by the plan, or at a regular meeting, or both.

e. Every Municipal Consolidation Study Commission shall include a representative of the Department of Community Affairs as a non-voting representative on the commission. The representative shall not be a resident of a municipality participating in the study. The department shall prepare an objective fiscal study of the fiscal aspects of a consolidation and shall provide it to the commission in a timely manner.

f. If the consolidation would include the consolidation of boards of education, a person appointed by the Commissioner of Education shall serve as a non-voting member of that Municipal Consolidation Study Commission. The representative of the Commissioner of Education shall not be a resident of a community participating in the study. The [county] regional superintendent of schools shall conduct a study on the impact of consolidation on the educational system and its finances. The report shall be provided to the commission in a timely manner.

g. There shall be no more than one of either a consolidation plan study, a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission, or a joint municipal consolidation created under the "Municipal Consolidation Act," P.L.1977, c.435 (C.40:43-66.35 et al.), active in a single municipality at the same time. In the event that more than one application is filed with the board or is being considered by the governing bodies while another action affecting the same municipality or municipalities is under consideration, the board shall consider the applications and shall join any proposed creation of a joint municipal consolidation together and approve only one action as the board deems to be in the public interest. Prior to approving a single action, the board shall hold a public hearing permitting all parties to present testimony on the merits of their action in relation to the other proposals. Once an action is approved by the board, another action from the same combination of municipalities shall not be approved for at least five years.

h. In considering its decisions under sections 1 to 37 of P.L.2007, c.63 (C.40A:65-1 et al.), the Local Finance Board and any other State agency shall take into account local conditions, the reasonableness of proposed decisions, and the facilitation of the consolidation process in making decisions concerning consolidation.

(cf: P.L.2011, c.55, s.1)

146. Section 1 of P.L.1997, c.257 (C.52:9DD-8) is amended to read as follows:

1. a. There is hereby created the New Jersey Human Relations Council, referred to hereinafter as the council, which shall promote prejudice reduction education and address the problem of bias and violent acts based on the victim's race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender or disability. The council shall be a permanent, independent body in but not of the Department of Law and Public Safety.

b. The council shall consist of an executive committee which shall include ten public members who shall be representative of the various ethnic; religious; national origin; racial; sexual orientation; gender; and disabilities organizations in this State, of whom four shall be appointed by the Governor, no more than two of whom shall be of the same political party; three shall be appointed by the President of the Senate, no more than two of whom shall be of the same political party; and three shall be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, no more than two of whom shall be of the same political party; two members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, no more than one of whom shall be of the same political party; two members of the General Assembly appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, no more than one of whom shall be of the same political party; seven representatives from county human relations commissions representing the diversity of all county human relations commissions from the 21 counties of the State appointed by the Governor; and the following ex officio members: the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey; the Secretary of State; Commissioner of the Department of Education; the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs; the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections; the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services; the Public Defender; the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts; the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice; the Superintendent of the Division of State Police; the Director of the Division on Civil Rights; the President of the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey; the President of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police; the President of the Bias Crime Officers Association of New Jersey; a [county Superintendent of Schools] regional superintendent of schools selected by the Commissioner of the Department of Education; the President of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association; and the President of the New Jersey Education Association.

c. Of the public members first appointed to the council, six shall be appointed for a term of three years, two shall be appointed for terms of two years and two shall be appointed for a term of one year. The seven county human relations commissions representatives shall be appointed for terms of two years. The legislative members appointed initially under this act shall serve until the end of the legislative session in which the appointment is made. Thereafter, the legislative members shall be appointed for two-year terms to coincide with the two-year legislative term in which they serve on the council. Thereafter, the public members shall be appointed for terms of three years. Vacancies on the council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment but for the unexpired term. A chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be selected from among the public members of the council and the representatives from the county human relations commissions. The council shall have the authority to establish subcommittees as it deems appropriate and pursuant to this act. The executive committee of the council shall adopt bylaws to govern the council and elect officers from among the council members as it deems appropriate and pursuant to this act.

d. Each ex officio member may designate a person from the member's department or agency to represent the member at hearings of the council. All designees may lawfully vote and otherwise act on behalf of the member for whom they constitute the designee.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.201)

147. (New section) a. The Commissioner of Education shall appoint, with the approval of the State Board of Education, a regional superintendent of schools for the northern, central and southern parts of the State. A regional superintendent shall hold an appropriate certificate issued pursuant to this title and shall have been a resident of the State for at least three years immediately preceding his appointment. The regional superintendent shall serve, unless sooner removed pursuant to law, for a term of three years and thereafter until his successor is appointed and shall qualify. The regional superintendent may be re-appointed by the commissioner on the basis of a satisfactory performance assessment required pursuant to subsection b. of this section.

b. A regional superintendent shall be subject to at least one performance assessment during the three-year term. The performance of the regional superintendent shall be assessed by the commissioner based on the ability of the regional superintendent to monitor and promote administrative and operational efficiencies and cost savings within the school districts located in the region, while enhancing the effectiveness of the districts in providing a thorough and efficient system of education, and on their monitoring of the school districts in the five key components of school district effectiveness under the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum: instruction and program; personnel; fiscal management; operations; and governance. In establishing the standards for assessing the performance of the regional superintendent in facilitating administrative efficiencies, the commissioner shall include such factors as administrator-to-teacher ratios, administrator-to-student ratios, per-pupil administrative expenditures, and improved student educational outcomes.

148. (New section) The Commissioner of Education may designate any one of his assistant commissioners or, with the approval of the State board, another suitable person to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the regional superintendent without additional compensation:

a. During any period when a regional superintendent is unable to perform his duties by reason of illness, physical disability or for any other cause; and

b. During any period when the office of regional superintendent is vacant in any region by reason of the death or resignation of the incumbent or for any other cause.

149. (New section) A regional superintendent of schools shall receive such salary as shall be approved by the commissioner and shall receive a salary which is not greater than the salary of a cabinet-level official of the State.

Each regional superintendent shall receive, in addition to his salary, the traveling and other expenses incurred by him in conducting his office and performing his official duties.

150. (New section) The commissioner shall, subject to appeal to the State board, cause to be withheld the payment of the salary and expenses of any regional superintendent, who fails to perform faithfully all of the duties imposed upon him by act or by the rules of the State board, until he shall have performed all of such duties.

151. (New section) Each regional superintendent shall devote his entire time to the duties of his office, and shall have general supervision of all of the public schools of the districts of the region.

The regional superintendent shall maintain an office at a suitable location within the region which shall be open to the public. The school records of the region shall be kept at the regional office for the use of the State Department of Education and the United States Department of Education.

The State shall be responsible for all costs of the regional offices.

152. (New section) The regional superintendent shall appoint such clerical assistants for the office as shall be deemed necessary and fix their compensation within the limits of available appropriations made therefor.

153. (New section) Each regional superintendent shall:

a. Visit and examine from time to time all of the schools under his general supervision and exercise general supervision over them in accordance with the rules prescribed from time to time by the State board;

b. Keep himself informed as to the management, methods of instruction and discipline and the courses of study and textbooks in use, the condition of the school libraries, and the condition of the real and personal property, particularly in respect to the construction, heating, ventilation and lighting of school buildings, in the local districts under his general supervision, and make recommendations in connection therewith;

c. Advise with and counsel the boards of education of the local districts under his general supervision and of any other district of the region when so requested, in relation to the performance of their duties;

d. Promote administrative and operational efficiencies and cost savings within the school districts in the region while ensuring that the districts provide a thorough and efficient system of education;

e. Based on standards adopted by the commissioner, recommend to the commissioner, who is hereby granted the authority to effectuate those recommendations, that certain school districts be required to enter arrangements with one or more other school districts or educational services commissions for the consolidation of the district's administrative services;

f. Recommend to the commissioner the elimination of laws the regional superintendent determines to be unnecessary State education mandates, other than the categories of laws set forth in section 3 of P.L.1996, c.24 (C.52:13H-3);

g. Eliminate districts located in the region that are not operating schools on the effective date of P.L.2009, c.78 (C.18A:8-43 et al.), in accordance with a plan and schedule included in the plan submitted to and approved by the commissioner;

h. Recommend to the commissioner a school district consolidation plan to eliminate all districts, other than county-based districts and other than preschool or kindergarten through grade 12 districts in the region, through the establishment or enlargement of regional school districts. After the approval of the plan by the commissioner, the regional superintendent shall require each board of education covered by a proposal in the plan to conduct a special school election, at a time to be determined by the regonal superintendent, and submit thereat the question whether or not the regional superintendent's proposal for the regionalization of the school district shall be adopted. The question shall be deemed adopted if it receives a vote in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.18A:13-5. If the question is adopted by the voters, then the regional district shall be established or enlarged in accordance with chapter 13 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes;

i. Promote coordination and regionalization of pupil transportation services through means such as reviewing bus routes and schedules of school districts and nonpublic schools within the region;

j. Review and approve, according to standards adopted by the commissioner, all employment contracts for superintendents of schools, assistant superintendents of schools, and school business administrators in school districts within the region, prior to the execution of those contracts;

k. Request the commissioner to order a forensic audit and to select an auditor for any school district in the region upon the determination by the regional superintendent, according to standards adopted by the commissioner, that the accounting practices in the district necessitate such an audit;

l. Review all school budgets of the school districts within the region, and may, pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1996, c.138 (C.18A:7F-5), disapprove a portion of a school district's proposed budget if he determines that the district has not implemented all potential efficiencies in the administrative operations of the district or if he determines that the budget includes excessive non-instructional expenses. If the regional superintendent disapproves a portion of the school district's budget pursuant to this paragraph, the school district shall deduct the disapproved amounts from the budget prior to publication of the budget, and during the budget year the school district shall not transfer funds back into those accounts;

m. Permit a district to submit to the voters a separate proposal or proposals for additional funds pursuant to paragraph (9) of subsection d. of section 5 of P.L.1996, c.138 (C.18A:7F-5), only if: (1) the district provides the regional superintendent with written documentation that the district has made efforts to enter into shared arrangements with other districts, municipalities, counties, and other units of local government for the provision of administrative, business, purchasing, public and nonpublic transportation, and other required school district services; (2) the district certifies and provides written documentation that the district participates in on-going shared arrangements; or (3) the district certifies and provides written documentation that entering such shared arrangements would not result in cost savings or would result in additional expenses for the district;

n. Promote cooperative purchasing within the region of textbooks and other instructional materials;

o. Coordinate with the Department of Education to maintain a real time Statewide and district-wide database that tracks the types and capacity of special education programs being implemented by each district and the number of students enrolled in each program to identify program availability and needs;

p. Coordinate with the Department of Education to maintain a Statewide and district-wide list of all special education students served in out-of-district programs and a list of all public and private entities approved to receive special education students that includes pertinent information such as audit results and tuition charges;

q. Serve as a referral source for districts that do not have appropriate in-district programs for special education students and provide those districts with information on placement options in other school districts;

r. Conduct regional planning and identification of program needs for the development of in-district special education programs;

s. Serve as a liaison to facilitate shared special education services within the region including, but not limited to direct services, personnel development, and technical assistance;

t. Work with districts to develop in-district special education programs and services including providing training in inclusive education, positive behavior supports, transition to adult life, and parent-professional collaboration;

u. Provide assistance to districts in budgetary planning for resource realignment and reallocation to direct special education resources into the classroom;

v. Report on a regular basis to the commissioner on progress in achieving the goal of increasing the number of special education students educated in appropriate programs with non-disabled students;

w. Render a report to the commissioner annually on or before September 1, in the manner and form prescribed by him, of such matters relating to the schools under his jurisdiction as the commissioner shall require; and

x. Perform such other duties as shall be prescribed by law.

Any budgetary action of the regional superintendent under this section may be appealed directly to the commissioner, who shall render a decision within 15 days of the receipt of the appeal. If the commissioner fails to issue a decision within 15 days of the filing of an appeal, the budgetary action of the regional superintendent shall be deemed approved. The commissioner shall by regulation establish a procedure for such appeals.

Nothing in this section shall be construed or interpreted to contravene or modify the provisions of the "New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act," P.L.1941, c.100 (C.34:13A-1 et seq.), or to limit or restrict the scope of negotiations as provided pursuant to law, or to require an employer to enter into a subcontracting agreement which affects the employment of any employee in a collective bargaining unit represented by a majority representative during the time that an existing collective bargaining agreement with the majority representative is in effect.

Nothing in this section is intended to interfere with a school district's ability to provide a thorough and efficient education.

154. (New section) The regional superintendent may, without charge, administer oaths.

155. (New section) The commissioner shall appoint a regional business official to serve in the office of the regional superintendent of schools for a term of three years. The regional business official shall assist the regional superintendent in the performance of the superintendent's duties pursuant to section 153 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), and perform such other duties as determined by the commissioner. Based on criteria developed by the commissioner, the regional business official shall be subject to a performance assessment at least once during the three-year term. The business official may be re-appointed on the basis of a satisfactory performance assessment.

156. (New section) A local school district may apply to the regional superintendent of schools to have school district services including, but not limited to, transportation, personnel, purchasing, payroll, and accounting, assumed by the office of the superintendent. If the regional superintendent determines to assume a service, a fee may be assessed the school district for the service. The regional superintendent of schools may utilize county special services school districts, jointure commissions, and educational services commissions to provide services to local school boards.

157. (New section) A regional superintendent of schools shall not accept employment in any school district which was under his supervision in that position for a period of two years commencing on the day his term as regional superintendent terminates.

158. (New section) Whenever, in any law, rule, regulation, order, contract, document, judicial or administrative proceeding or otherwise, reference is made to the office of the executive county superintendent of schools, the same shall mean and refer to the office of the regional superintendent of schools.

159. The following acts and parts of acts are repealed:

Chapter 7 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes; and

R.S.40:23-2.

160. This act shall take effect on the 365th day after enactment, but the Commissioner of Education may take such anticipatory administrative action in advance as shall be necessary for the implementation of the act.

STATEMENT

This bill provides for three regional superintendents of schools, one in the northern, one in the central, and one in the southern part of the State, to replace the current 21 executive county superintendents of schools. The State will be responsible for all the costs of the offices of the regional superintendents.

Pursuant to the provisions of the bill, the Commissioner of Education will appoint, with the approval of the State Board of Education, the regional superintendent of schools. Persons appointed to the positions must hold an appropriate certificate and must have been a resident of the State for at least three years immediately preceding the appointment. The regional superintendent will serve for a term of three years and is required to devote his entire time to the duties of the office.

The regional superintendents will have general supervision of all of the public schools of the districts of their region. Each regional superintendent is required to:

--Visit and examine from time to time all of the schools under his general supervision and exercise general supervision over them;

--Keep himself informed as to the management, methods of instruction and discipline and the courses of study and textbooks in use, the condition of the school libraries, and the condition of the real and personal property in the local districts under his general supervision;

--Advise with and counsel the boards of education of the local districts under his general supervision in relation to the performance of their duties;

--Promote administrative and operational efficiencies and cost savings within the school districts in the region while ensuring that the districts provide a thorough and efficient system of education;

--Recommend that certain school districts be required to enter arrangements with other school districts for the consolidation of administrative services;

--Recommend the elimination of laws determined to be unnecessary State education mandates;

--Eliminate districts located in the region that are not operating schools;

--Recommend a school district consolidation plan to eliminate all districts through the establishment or enlargement of regional school districts;

--Promote coordination and regionalization of pupil transportation services;

--Review and approve all employment contracts for superintendents of schools, assistant superintendents of schools, and school business administrators in school districts within the region;

--Request the commissioner to order a forensic audit of any school district in the region upon the determination that the accounting practices in the district necessitate such an audit;

--Review all school budgets of the school districts within the region, and disapprove a portion of a school district's proposed budget if it is determined that the district has not implemented all potential efficiencies in the administrative operations of the district or if it is determined that the budget includes excessive non-instructional expenses;

--Permit a district to submit to the voters a separate proposal for additional funds only if the district provides certain information to the regional superintendent concerning shared services;

--Promote cooperative purchasing within the region of textbooks and other instructional materials;

--Maintain a real time Statewide and district-wide database that tracks the types and capacity of special education programs being implemented by each district and the number of students enrolled in each program to identify program availability and needs;

--Maintain a Statewide and district-wide list of all special education students served in out-of-district programs and a list of all public and private entities approved to receive special education students;

--Serve as a referral source for districts that do not have appropriate in-district programs for special education students and provide those districts with information on placement options in other school districts;

--Conduct regional planning for the development of in-district special education programs;

--Serve as a liaison to facilitate shared special education services within the region;

--Provide assistance to districts in budgetary planning for resource realignment and reallocation to direct special education resources into the classroom;

--Report regularly to the commissioner on progress in increasing the number of special education students educated in appropriate programs with non-disabled students;

--Render a report to the commissioner annually on such matters relating to the schools under his jurisdiction as the commissioner requires; and

--Perform such other duties as shall be prescribed by law.

The bill will take effect on the 365th day after enactment, but the Commissioner of Education may take such anticipatory administrative action in advance as shall be necessary for the implementation of the act.