N.J. Stat. tit. 18A, ch. 4

N.J. Stat. tit. 18A, ch. 4
in effect

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-1 State department of education continued; composition

The state department of education is hereby continued as a principal department in the executive branch of the state government, and it shall consist of a state board of education, which shall be the head of the department, a commissioner of education, and such divisions, bureaus, branches, committees, officers and employees as are specifically referred to in this title and as may be constituted or employed by virtue of the authority conferred by this title and by any other law. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-1.1 Findings, declarations.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. New Jersey and the nation have experienced an increase in the number of disconnected youth, which are young adults aged 16 to 24 who are disconnected from both school and employment. b. In New Jersey, more than 100,000 individuals were disconnected from school in 2021. c. Disconnection from school can negatively impact an individual and their family and can have an enduring economic and social impact on the local community and society at large. d. Despite common misconceptions, youth disconnection is not consigned to a singular demographic region or racial or ethnic group, as youth disconnection rates are high across all counties and racial and ethnic groups. e. While the challenge of reengaging disconnected youth has persisted for decades, the COVID-19 pandemic illuminated and exacerbated youth disconnection, making it an issue that should urgently be addressed. f. It is altogether fitting and proper that the State ensure all young people receive the resources and support to achieve their educational and postsecondary goals by providing prevention and intervention strategies for reengaging disconnected youth across the State. L.2023, c.277, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-1.2 Disconnected youth, defined.

2. As used in this act, "disconnected youth" means youth and young adults aged 16 to 24 who are not currently attending school, participating in a training program, or employed. L.2023, c.277, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-1.3 "Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson" established.

3. a. There is hereby established in the Department of Education a Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson. The Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson shall be appointed by the Governor and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Governor shall appoint the ombudsperson no later than the 90th day following the date of enactment of this act. The ombudsperson shall report directly to the Commissioner of Education and shall only be answerable to the commissioner. The ombudsperson shall maintain a collaborative relationship with the Secretary of Higher Education. The ombudsperson shall implement a Statewide strategic plan of action to prevent individuals aged 16 to 24 from disconnecting from school, address the need for the reengagement of disconnected youth, and develop strategies to increase reengagement. b. The ombudsperson shall serve for a term of four years and until the appointment and qualification of a successor. A vacancy occurring in the position of the ombudsperson shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, except that if the ombudsperson dies, resigns, becomes ineligible to serve for any reason, or is removed from office, the Governor shall appoint an acting ombudsperson who shall serve until the appointment and qualification of the ombudsperson's successor. The ombudsperson shall be a person of recognized judgment, integrity, and objectivity, and shall be skilled in communication, conflict resolution, and professionalism. The ombudsperson shall have hands-on practical experience working with disconnected youth and demonstrated higher-level leadership in an agency, institution, or organization that directly or indirectly addresses the subject of disconnected youth. L.2023, c.277, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-1.4 Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson, duties.

4. The duties of the Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson established pursuant to section 3 of this act shall include, but not be limited to: a. collaborating with school districts to develop and implement a Statewide strategic plan of action to prevent individuals aged 16 to 24 from disconnecting from school; b. collaborating with other agencies to address the challenges facing disconnected individuals, which agencies shall include the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Corrections, the Juvenile Justice Commission, and the Department of Children and Families; c. addressing issues associated with the reengagement of individuals and developing programs to facilitate the return of disconnected individuals to the classroom; d. developing and recommending to school districts programs and best practices, consistent with the recommendations of the School Disconnection Prevention Task Force established pursuant to this act, to prevent individuals from disconnecting from school and strategies for reengaging individuals who have disconnected from school; e. collaborating with the Secretary of Higher Education to develop and establish best practices for reengaging disconnected youth in institutions of higher education; and f. advising the Commissioner of Education and making recommendations, consistent with the recommendations of the School Disconnection Prevention Task Force established pursuant to section 6 of this act, to prevent individuals from disconnecting from school and strategies for reengaging individuals who have disconnected from school. L.2023, c.277, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-1.5 Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson, written report, Governor, Legislature.

5. a. The Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson shall annually issue a written report to the Commissioner of Education and the Secretary of Higher Education. The report shall include a summary of the services the ombudsperson provided during the year, a summary of progress towards mitigating the rising number of disconnected youth, and any specific recommendations the ombudsperson deems appropriate and necessary concerning the State's provision of services and support to disconnected youth. b. The ombudsperson shall annually issue the report prepared to subsection a. of this section to the Governor, and to the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1). L.2023, c.277, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-1.6 "Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery" established; duties.

1. a. There is established in the Department of Education the Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery. It shall be the purpose of the office to promote student literacy and advance learning equity through academic recovery practices. Personnel for the office shall be selected by the Commissioner of Education, and the leadership of the office shall directly advise the commissioner on these matters. b. The office shall establish guidelines as necessary to effectuate the duties established pursuant to this section. The duties of the office shall include, but not be limited to: (1) improving the capacity of the department to make data-driven decisions regarding literacy and learning equity policies by identifying, compiling, and analyzing data collected by the department and other reputable data sources that could improve the department's understanding of the factors that impact reading, English-Language Arts, and other performance metrics of students; (2) coordinating resources within the department to promote the implementation of effective literacy and learning acceleration policies. These efforts may include recommending strategies for improving cohesion across all current and future literacy initiatives and providing expertise in analyzing current and future policy initiatives to ensure considerations for improving student literacy and closing academic achievement gaps experienced by students of color, low-income students, and students with disabilities; (3) conducting research on State and national best practices in the areas of literacy, learning equity, and learning acceleration and providing subject matter expertise that informs future policy decisions in these areas; (4) supporting school districts in developing and implementing best practices, including the use of high-quality instructional materials, for improving elementary literacy and academic recovery through research, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and other appropriate methods; (5) supporting the department in seeking out opportunities and leading efforts to obtain funding, professional development, and other policy supports that promote literacy and learning equity; and (6) any other duties as deemed necessary by the commissioner. c. The office shall be funded by any combination of State or federal funds in accordance with the requirements of any federal funds. d. Two years following the establishment of the office, the commissioner shall conduct a review of office operations. The review shall evaluate the success of the office in carrying out its duties established pursuant to this section and shall include recommendations for improving the organization and administration of the office to enhance the department's capacity to promote student literacy and learning equity. L.2024, c.53.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-2 Offices

Suitable quarters to be known as the "state department of education" shall be provided. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-2.1 Longitudinal Data System Governing Body established.

1. a. (1) There is established, in but not of, the Department of Education, a Statewide Longitudinal Data System Governing Body. The governing body shall consist of one representative from each of the following State agencies: the Department of Education, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The governing body shall adopt any rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the provisions of P.L.2025, c.388 (C.18A:4-2.1 et al.), except that any rules and regulations shall not govern the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission or its data. The governing body may, consistent with its operating procedures and rules and regulations, add additional agencies to or remove existing agencies from the governing body. Any agency added to the governing body shall provide one representative to the governing body. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, the governing body shall not be subject to the Open Public Meetings Act, P.L.1975, c.231 (C.10:4-6 et seq.). (3) The governing body shall operate with the following minimum objectives: (a) identifying critical research and policy questions that need to be addressed by education and workforce development programs; (b) identifying reports and other information that are appropriate to make available to education and workforce development entities and other public stakeholders; (c) defining and maintaining standards for privacy, confidentiality, and security of data consistent and in compliance with the provisions of P.L.1997, c.188 (C.39:2-3.3 et seq.) and the federal “Drivers’ Privacy Protection Act of 1994,” Pub.L.103-322; and (d) performing other advisory functions that are necessary for the successful continuation and management of the Statewide Longitudinal Data System for Education and Workforce Development established pursuant to subsection b. of this section. b. (1) The governing body shall establish and maintain a Statewide Longitudinal Data System for Education and Workforce Development or may enter into an agreement with a separate entity, which entity may include, but not be limited to, the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers, the State University, to establish and maintain the system. It shall be the purpose of the system to link longitudinal data to inform policy and decisions concerning the improvement of quality of life, education, and employment opportunities for residents of the State. The system’s objectives shall include, but need not be limited to: (a) enabling New Jersey residents to afford and obtain training or post-secondary degrees; (b) enabling New Jersey residents to secure and retain employment and receive better pay after completing training or post-secondary degrees; (c) enabling New Jersey residents to meet the education and job skill demands of business and industry; (d) identifying areas of potential workforce gaps, as presented in the annual Teacher Workforce Report, or any successor or other appropriate report, as identified by the Commissioner of Education; (e) identifying the effectiveness of support programs that help New Jersey residents enter or return to employment; (f) identifying the effectiveness of support programs that help New Jersey residents enter training or post-secondary degree programs; and (g) facilitating the sharing of data and learning across government entities. (2) The system shall meet the standards of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and maintain certification or accreditation, as applicable, therefrom. The system shall follow rigorous data security guidelines and may only release aggregate-level data from the secure environment. (3) Each participating agency in the governing body shall provide the data necessary to effectuate the provisions of P.L.2025, c.388 (C.18A:4-2.1 et al.). (4) This section shall not be construed to prevent any participating agency from maintaining control of that agency’s data. (5) Data provided to the system shall be provided in accordance with all State and federal laws governing the protection, retention, and sharing of the data. (6) The governing body shall have the authority to secure any available federal funding, including funding to expand and enhance the capacity of the State’s existing technology infrastructure for the purposes of developing the system. (7) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, information shared, transmitted, or received, including information to or from the entity selected pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection, in carrying out the purposes of P.L.2025, c.388 (C.18A:4-2.1 et al.) shall not be considered a government record under P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.), P.L.2001, c.404 (C.47:1A-5 et al.), or the common law concerning access to government records. c. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, to the extent not otherwise inconsistent with the federal “Drivers’ Privacy Protection Act of 1994,” Pub.L.103-322, and upon and consistent with a fully executed agreement, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall share personal information as defined under section 1 of P.L.1997, c.188 (C.39:2-3.3) for use by the governing body, or the entity selected pursuant to subsection b. of this section, or both, for the purposes of this section. The sharing of information shall not be considered a violation of any other State law. Pursuant to an agreement with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, the Statewide Longitudinal Data System Governing Body may provide the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission with a person's social security number and other personal or personally identifiable information, in a format acceptable to the commission, and, upon receipt, the commission shall provide the Statewide Longitudinal Data System Governing Body, or the entity selected pursuant to subsection b. of this section, with data that confirms the accuracy of the social security number provided if that data is available to the commission. (2) The sharing of information pursuant to this section shall be deemed a permissible use of the information by the governing body in carrying out its functions and a permissible use of the information by the entity selected pursuant to subsection b. of this section, if any, acting on behalf of the governing body in carrying out its functions. The information shall be transmitted in a manner consistent with an applicable memorandum of understanding. (3) The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall not share or transmit to the governing body, or the entity selected pursuant to subsection b. of this section, as applicable, documentation or other information: (a) concerning an individual who does not have a social security number or has submitted proof of identity to the commission using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number; (b) that indicates that an individual is not a citizen of the United States; (c) that is a photo of a person; or (d) that includes a person’s social security number beyond the last four digits of the social security number. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission from conducting identity matching as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection or other activities necessary for the Statewide Longitudinal Data System Governing Body to carry out its duties. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, the information shared, transmitted, or received pursuant to this subsection shall not be considered a government record under P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) or the common law concerning access to government records. L.2025, c.388, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-3 Membership qualifications

18A:4-3. The State Board of Education shall consist of 13 members who shall be citizens of the State who have resided therein for not less than five years immediately preceding their appointment, not less than three of whom shall be women and not more than one of whom shall be appointed from the residents of any one county. L.1967, c.271; Amended 1973,c.93; 1994,c.48,s.44.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-4 Appointment of members; terms; vacancies

The members of the state board shall be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, for terms of six years commencing on July 1, except as otherwise provided by section 18A:4-5. Each member shall continue in office after the expiration of his term until his successor is appointed and has qualified, and in any such case and in case of any vacancy the successor shall be appointed in like manner for the unexpired term only. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-5 Continuation of present state board; appointment of successors

The members of the state board in office on the effective date of this title shall continue in office until the expiration of the respective terms for which they were appointed and all future appointments, except to fill vacancies occurring otherwise than by expiration of terms, shall be made for full six-year terms, to expire on June 30 of the sixth year, in such manner as to continue the present rotation of terms. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-6 Expenses of members; no compensation

The members of the state board shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be paid their necessary expenses in performing their duties. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-7 Meetings

The state board shall hold public meetings at least once in each month at such times as its rules may prescribe and at such other times and such places within the state as in its judgment may be necessary, but no meeting shall commence later than eight P.M. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-8 Organization of board; officers; vacancies

The state board shall organize at its first regular meeting following June 30 of each year by the election of a president and a vice president from its own number who shall serve for one year and until their respective successors are elected and qualified. Vacancies in such offices shall be filled in like manner for the unexpired terms only. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-9 Secretary of state board

The commissioner shall be the secretary of the state board, but with the approval of the state board he may designate one of the clerks in the department to perform such of the duties of the secretary and such other services for the state board as the state board shall designate. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-10 General supervision of public education except higher education vested in state board

The general supervision and control of public education in this state, except higher education, and of the state department of education shall be vested in the state board, which shall formulate plans and make recommendations for the unified, continuous and efficient development of public education, other than higher education, of people of all ages within the state. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-11 Acquisition of land and other property by condemnation

The state board shall, if necessary, take and condemn land and other property in the manner provided by chapter 1 of Title 20, Eminent Domain, of the Revised Statutes, whenever authorized by law to purchase land or other property. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-12 Use of lands controlled by state board for recreation purposes

The state board may permit a municipality in which lands under the control and management of the state board are situate, to use such lands, when not required for school or state purposes, as playgrounds or recreation centers for the children of the municipality, but the municipality shall be liable for any damage done to property so used. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-13 Building operations

The state board shall conduct all building operations coming within its direct supervision, including all construction or repair work allied thereto, within the appropriation specifically provided in each case for said work. It may, with the approval of the state house commission, employ such technical assistants, including registered architects and engineers, for the preparation of plans, specifications and drawings and for supervision and inspection of such work, as in its judgment each building operation necessitates, and such technical assistants shall be paid from the specific appropriation for such building operation. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-14 Uniform system of bookkeeping for school districts

18A:4-14. The State Board shall prescribe a uniform system of double entry bookkeeping which is consistent with the generally accepted accounting principles established by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board and which is consistent with the financial accounting terminology and classifications established by the National Center for Education Statistics for use in all school districts and compel the maintenance and use of the same. L.1967, c.271; Amended 1987,c.165,s.1; 1989,c.266,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-14.1 Conformity to uniform system

By July 1 of the sixth year following enactment of this act, all school districts shall conform to the uniform system of double entry bookkeeping prescribed by N.J.S.18A:4-14. L.1987, c.165, s.4; amended 1989,c.266,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-15 General rule-making power

The state board shall make and enforce, and may alter and repeal, rules for its own government and for implementing and carrying out the school laws of this state under which it has jurisdiction. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-16 Incidental powers conferred

The state board shall have all powers, in addition to those specifically provided by law, requisite to the performance of its duties. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-17 Right to administer oaths and examine witnesses; false swearing

The state board by its presiding officer and each of its committees by its chairman, may administer oaths and examine witnesses under oath in any part of the state in regard to any matter pertaining to the schools, under its jurisdiction, supervision or control, and may cause the examination to be reduced to writing. Any person willfully giving false testimony upon being sworn or affirmed to tell the truth by the presiding officer of the state board or by the chairman of any of its committees, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-18 Compelling attendance of school personnel

The state board may by order compel the production at such time and place within the state as it may designate of any and all books, papers, and vouchers in any way relating to schools or to the receipt or disbursement of school moneys, under its jurisdiction, supervision or control, compel the attendance before it or before any of its committees or before the commissioner or one of his assistants at such time and place as it may designate of any member of a board of education or of any person in the employ of a board of education, and suspend from office any person refusing to attend or to submit such books, papers, and vouchers as he may have been directed to produce. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-19 Subpoenas; penalty

The state board may issue subpoenas signed by its president and secretary compelling the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers in any part of the state before it or before any of its committees or before the commissioner or one of his assistants. Any person who shall neglect or refuse to obey the command of the subpoena or who, after appearing, shall refuse to be sworn and testify, except such refusal be on grounds recognized by law, shall in either event be liable to a penalty of $100.00 for each offense to be recovered by the state board of education in a civil action. Such penalty when recovered shall be paid into the treasury of the state. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-20 Annual report to legislature

The state board shall report annually to the legislature in regard to all matters committed to its care. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-21 Appointment; term; qualifications; salary

18A:4-21. The Commissioner of Education shall be appointed by the Governor, without regard to residence within or without the State, with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor during the Governor's term of office and until his successor is appointed and qualified. He shall receive such annual salary as shall from time to time be fixed by law, which shall be payable as other state salaries are paid. L.1967, c.271; Amended 1990,c.13,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-22 Chief officer of the department

The commissioner shall be: (a) The chief executive and administrative officer of the department having general charge and supervision of the work of the department; (b) The official agent of the state board for all purposes; (c) The budget request officer and the approval officer of the department, with power to delegate the duties of such officers as in this chapter provided; (d) Authorized, subject to law, to designate one of the assistant commissioners to act in his place and stead, during his absence, and to assign duties to the assistant commissioners, to the directors of the special services, to the secretary of the state board of examiners and to the inspectors, assistants and employees of the department. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-23 Supervision of schools; enforcement of rules

The commissioner shall have supervision of all schools of the state receiving support or aid from state appropriations, except institutions of higher education, and he shall enforce all rules prescribed by the state board. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-24 Determining efficiency of schools; report to state board

The commissioner shall pursuant to rules and regulations of the State board, inquire into and ascertain the thoroughness and efficiency of operation of any of the schools of the public school system of the State and of any grades therein by such means as to him seem proper, and he shall report to the State board the results of such inquiries and such other information with regard thereto as the State board may require or as he shall deem proper, but nothing in this section shall affect the right of each district to prescribe its own rules for promotion. L.1967, c.271; amended by L.1975, c. 212, s. 44, eff. July 1, 1975.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-25 Prescribing minimum courses of study for public schools; approval of courses of study

The commissioner may, with the approval of the state board, prescribe minimum courses of study for the public schools and require boards of education to submit to him for approval or disapproval courses of study adopted by them, whenever he deems it advisable so to do. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-26 Acceptance of grants and donations

Subject to approval by the governor and the state board, the commissioner may accept on behalf of the state and administer for the state any grant, conveyance, devise, bequest, or donation to be applied, principal or income, or both, for the purposes specified in such grant, conveyance, devise, bequest, or donation to the maintenance and use of any service in, or activity of, any division or bureau established in the department, or of any school or institution of learning under the jurisdiction, supervision or control of the commissioner or of the state board. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-27 Notice and hearing

Prior to the acceptance of any grant, conveyance, devise, bequest, or donation mentioned in section 18A:4-26, due notice and hearing, if requested, shall be granted by the commissioner and the state board to any municipality or municipalities which may be affected thereby. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-28 Materials for guidance of teachers

The commissioner may prepare, publish and distribute from time to time handbooks, materials or circulars for the guidance of teachers in the public schools. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-29 Instruction of county superintendents and superintendents of schools; meetings

The commissioner shall from time to time instruct the county 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 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. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-30 Annual report of comparative financial statistics of school districts

The commissioner shall compile and cause to be published for general distribution, and may make a reasonable charge therefor to cover the cost of printing thereof, and annual report of comparative financial statistics of all school districts showing the capital and current costs, the cost of principal services, the amount of debt and other pertinent data, for each school district. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-31 Right to administer oaths, take affidavits and examine witnesses; false swearing

The commissioner and each of his assistants may administer oaths, take affidavits without charge, and examine witnesses under oath in any part of the state and upon any matter pertaining to the schools under his jurisdiction, supervision or control or under that of the state board and may cause the examinations to be reduced to writing. Any person willfully giving false testimony upon being sworn to tell the truth by the commissioner or any assistant commissioner, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-32 Assistant commissioners; appointment; compensation

The commissioner, subject to the approval of the State board, shall appoint not more than seven assistant commissioners of education, and fix their compensation, and he shall from time to time designate one of them to act in his place and stead during his absence. L.1967, c.271; amended by L.1977, c. 322, s. 1, eff. Jan. 10, 1978.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-33 Deputy commissioner

The commissioner shall designate an assistant commissioner as deputy commissioner with full power to act in his place and stead during any absence or inability of the commissioner and at such other times as the commissioner may designate. The commissioner may designate one or more assistant commissioners to act as approval officers of the department. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-34 Duties of assistant commissioner.

18A:4-34. Each assistant commissioner shall perform such duties in the public school system of the State as may from time to time be assigned to him by the commissioner, which shall include, but need not be limited to, any one or more of the following: a. The supervision of curriculum and instruction; b. The supervision of vocational education; c. The hearing and determination of controversies and disputes which may arise under the school laws, or the rules of the State board, or of the commissioner; and d. The supervision of business and financial matters. L.1967, c.271; amended 1977, c.322, s.2; 2001, c.137, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-35 Directors, inspectors, and assistants.

18A:4-35. The commissioner may assign an assistant commissioner or, subject to approval of the State board, may appoint and fix the compensation of directors, inspectors, and assistants to act as secretary of the State board of examiners and to act in connection with the issuance of qualifying academic certificates and, so far as they relate to the public school system of the State, to perform one or more of the following services: a. Inspection of buildings; b. Inspection of accounts; c. Research; d. Supervision of health education; e. Supervision of adult education; f. Supervision of classes for children with disabilities; and g. Such other special services as the State board may deem necessary. Amended 2017, c.131, s.16.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-35.1 State School Nurse Consultant.

1. a. The Commissioner of Education shall appoint a State School Nurse Consultant. The State School Nurse Consultant shall be a New Jersey certified school nurse who holds a master's degree and has demonstrated higher-level leadership with recent school nursing experience. The State School Nurse Consultant shall work with school districts and school nurses to facilitate best practices by advancing comprehensive school health services that address the health and wellness of all students. The State School Nurse Consultant, in performing the duties of the position, shall collaborate with the Department of Health, other State agencies, and associated stakeholders. b. It shall be the duty of the State School Nurse Consultant to: (1) Serve as a liaison and resource expert in school nursing and comprehensive school health services for county, State, and national school health organizations, and policy setting groups; (2) Provide consultation and technical assistance to support school districts in facilitating parent and community engagement; (3) Coordinate school health program activities with public health, social services, environmental, and educational agencies as well as other public and private entities; (4) Monitor, interpret, synthesize, and disseminate relevant information associated with changes in health and medical care, school nursing practice, legislation, and legal issues that impact schools; (5) Facilitate the development of policies, standards, and guidelines to enhance comprehensive school health services; (6) Foster and promote professional development for school nurses, which may include planning, coordinating, or providing educational guidance, and networking with universities and other providers of continuing education to meet identified needs; (7) Promote quality assurance of comprehensive school health services by advocating for the use of evidence-based school nursing practice and participating in the National Association of School Nurses data collection initiatives; (8) Participate in State-level public interagency partnerships and private partnerships with Statewide stakeholders to foster comprehensive school health services, representing school nurses in multi-disciplinary collaborations; (9) Initiate, participate in, and utilize research studies related to comprehensive school health services, the health needs of children and youth, school nursing practice, and related issues; and (10) Serve as a liaison regarding school health issues with the Department of Health and the Legislature. L.2020, c.85, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-35.2 Annual report to Governor, Legislature.

2. The State School Nurse Consultant shall report annually to the Governor, and to the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1). The report shall include a summary of the activities of the State School Nurse Consultant during the year, and any specific recommendations deemed appropriate and necessary concerning school nursing services and comprehensive school health service programs. L.2020, c.85, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-35.3 State School Counselor Liaison, report to Governor, Legislature.

6. a. The Commissioner of Education shall appoint a State School Counselor Liaison. The State School Counselor Liaison shall hold a New Jersey standard educational services certificate with a director of school counseling services endorsement and have experience in the delivery of social and emotional learning programming as well as postsecondary and career advisement. The State School Counselor Liaison shall work with school districts, charter schools, renaissance school projects, and school counselors to facilitate best practices by advancing comprehensive school counseling services that address the mental and behavioral health and wellness of all students. The State School Counselor Liaison, in performing the duties of the position, shall collaborate with other State agencies and associated stakeholders. b. It shall be the duty of the State School Counselor Liaison to: (1) serve as a liaison and resource expert in school counseling and comprehensive school counseling services for New Jersey certificated school counselors and the Department of Education; (2) foster and promote professional development for school counselors, which may include planning, coordinating, or providing educational guidance, and networking with universities, the New Jersey School Counselor Association, and other providers of continuing education to meet identified needs; (3) monitor, interpret, synthesize, and disseminate relevant information associated with changes in school counseling practices, legislation, and legal issues that impact school counselors; and (4) initiate, participate in, and utilize research studies related to school counseling practices, the mental health needs of children and youth, and related issues. c. The State School Counselor Liaison shall report annually to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), the Legislature. The report shall include a summary of the activities of the State School Counselor Liaison during the year and any specific recommendations deemed appropriate and necessary concerning school counseling services and comprehensive school mental health services. d. As used in this section, “school counselor” means an individual who holds and works under the authority of a New Jersey standard educational services certificate with a school counselor endorsement. L.2025, c.133, s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-36 Helping teachers, salaries and expense allowance

A helping teacher to aid and direct the teachers in the schools of two or more districts may be appointed by the commissioner whenever he deems it advisable so to do, at a salary, and with an allowance for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of his duties not exceeding $750.00 a year, which the commissioner shall fix, but such appointment and the amount of the salary and of the expense allowance shall first be approved by the state board. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-37 Payment of salaries and expenses

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 superintendent, on orders issued by the county 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 superintendent, which shall be kept on file in his office. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-38 Employment of clerks and other employees; compensation

The commissioner may appoint such clerks and other employees for the department as he may deem necessary and fix their compensation subject to the provisions of Title 11, Civil Service, of the Revised Statutes, except where otherwise provided by law, which compensation shall be payable as other state salaries are paid, on the certificate of the commissioner and shall not exceed in the aggregate the sum annually appropriated therefor. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-39 Record of official acts; seal; copies of papers

The commissioner shall keep a record and preserve copies of all his official acts, orders and decisions. He shall adopt an official seal, and copies of any of his acts, orders and decisions, and of any papers deposited or filed in the department, when authenticated therewith and certified by him, shall be evidence in all courts and places equally with and in like manner as the originals. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-40 Monthly, annual and other reports to state board

The commissioner shall report to the state board such information as it may prescribe once each month and at such other times as the state board may designate, and he shall report to the state board annually at its December meeting as to the operation and condition of the schools of the public school system and all educational institutions other than institutions of higher education, receiving support or aid from state appropriations, during the previous year, with appropriate statistical tables and such suggestions and recommendations for the improvement of the schools and the advancement of public education within the state as he shall deem expedient and of interest to the people of the state and especially to those concerned with the operation of the public schools. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-41 Waiving of certain requirements

9. The commissioner or the Director of the Division of Local Government Services, in the Department of Community Affairs, as appropriate, is authorized, for those school districts issuing bonds pursuant to this 1993 amendatory and supplementary act, to waive the requirement imposed pursuant to N.J.S.18A:24-46 or N.J.S.40A:2-29, as the case may be, that school districts issue those bonds at not less than par value. L.1993,c.102,s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-42 Findings, declarations relative to Italian heritage and cultural and educational programs.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. For the past several decades Hollywood and the communications media have continuously portrayed Italians and Americans of Italian heritage as mobsters, buffoons and other nefarious characters to such an extent that it appears to be an orchestrated program of cultural dismemberment and disdain which can and will promote ethnic bigotry and loss of cultural identity. b. The exposure of our children and others to this unrelenting barrage of negative images has led to the erosion and denigration of Italian-American culture, history and heritage. It has, furthermore, encouraged children to emulate negative role models and promoted the social acceptability of disrespect for and bigotry towards Italians and Americans of Italian heritage and their culture, history and heritage--a culture, history and heritage shared by over 22 percent of New Jersey's population. c. The histories of our nation and our State have been significantly enriched by the heritage of Italians and Americans of Italian heritage. The cultural heritage of Italy includes the classical civilization of Rome, the fine arts of the Renaissance, the scientific and artistic genius of Da Vinci, the literary works of Dante and Petrarch, the operas of Verdi and Puccini and many other contributions that have ennobled civilization. d. More than 5.4 million Italians emigrated to the United States between the years 1820 and 1991; today more than 2 million citizens of this State are of Italian descent. Our nation and our State have benefitted substantially from the influences and contributions of these men, women and children and their distinctive culture, history and heritage. e. It is desirable to educate our citizens about the positive aspects of the culture, music, art, language, history and heritage of Italians and Americans of Italian heritage. f. It is the policy of the State of New Jersey that the culture, history and heritage of Italians and Americans of Italian heritage are a proper concern for all people, particularly students enrolled in the schools of this State. g. It is appropriate and desirable that programs, workshops, institutes, seminars and other teacher-training activities for the study of the culture, history and heritage of Italians and Americans of Italian heritage be conducted at the various high schools and institutions of higher education in this State. h. It is fitting and proper to establish a permanent State-level commission to survey, design, encourage and promote the implementation of Italian and Americans of Italian heritage cultural and educational programs in this State, with responsibility for the coordination of events that will provide appropriate awareness and memorialization of the culture, history, heritage and language of Italians and Americans of Italian heritage on a regular basis throughout the State. L.2001,c.343,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-43 New Jersey Commission on Italian and Americans of Italian Heritage Cultural and Educational Programs.

2. a. The New Jersey Commission on Italian and Americans of Italian Heritage Cultural and Educational Programs is created and established in the Executive Branch of the State Government. For the purposes of complying with the provisions of Article V, Section IV, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution, the commission is allocated within the Department of Education, but notwithstanding this allocation, the commission shall be independent of any supervision or control by the department or any board or officer thereof. The commission shall consist of 21 members, including the Commissioner of Education and the chair of the executive board of the Presidents' Council, serving ex officio, and 19 public members. Public members shall be appointed as follows: five public members shall be appointed by the President of the Senate, at least one of whom shall have a Masters' degree in an area of Italian studies or language; five public members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, at least one of whom shall have a Masters' degree in an area of Italian studies or language; and nine public members shall be appointed by the Governor, no less than four of whom shall at the time of their appointment have at least a Masters' degree in an area of Italian studies or language. The public members shall be residents of the State who have served prominently as spokespersons for, or as leaders of, organizations in the Italian and Americans of Italian heritage community which serve members of religious, ethnic, national heritage or social groups or who are experienced in the field of Italian and Americans of Italian heritage education. To the greatest extent practicable, they shall be chosen with due regard to afford the commission with broad regional representation and ethnic diversity. At least one-half of the public members shall be of Italian descent. b. Each public member of the commission shall serve for a term of three years, except that of the initial members so appointed: one member appointed by the President of the Senate, one member appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and two members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of one year; two members appointed by the President of the Senate, two members appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and three members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of two years; and two members appointed by the President of the Senate, two members appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and four members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of three years. Public members shall be eligible for reappointment. They shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified, and the term of the successor of any incumbent shall be calculated from the expiration of the term of that incumbent. A vacancy occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, but for the unexpired term only. c. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but they shall be entitled to reimbursement for all necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. d. The commission annually shall elect a chairman from among its members. It shall meet upon the call of the chairman or of a majority of the commission members. The presence of a majority of the authorized membership of the commission shall be required for the conduct of official business. e. The commission shall appoint an executive director, who shall serve at its pleasure and shall be a person qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office. L.2001,c.343,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-44 Responsibilities, duties of commission.

3. The commission shall have the following responsibilities and duties: a. To provide, based upon the collective knowledge and experience of its members, assistance and advice to the public and nonpublic schools of this State with respect to the implementation of Italian and Americans of Italian heritage cultural and educational programs; b. To meet with county and local school officials and other interested public and private organizations, for the purpose of assisting with the planning, coordination or modification of courses of study dealing with issues, matters and subjects concerning or relating to the culture, history and heritage of Italians and Americans of Italian heritage; c. To survey and catalog the extent and breadth of Italian and Americans of Italian heritage cultural awareness and educational programs presently being incorporated into the curricula and taught in the school systems of this State; to inventory those Italian and Americans of Italian heritage exhibits and resources which may be incorporated into courses of study at various locations throughout the State and, upon request, to assist the State Department of Education and other educational agencies in the development and implementation of Italian and Americans of Italian heritage cultural awareness and educational programs. In furtherance of this responsibility, the commission shall be authorized to contact and cooperate with existing Italian and Americans of Italian heritage public or private nonprofit resource organizations and may act as a liaison concerning issues and topics involving and relating to the culture, history and heritage of Italians and Americans of Italian heritage to members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives and the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly; d. To compile a roster of individual volunteers who are willing to share their knowledge and experience in classrooms, seminars and workshops on subjects concerning and relating to the culture, history and heritage of Italians and Americans of Italian heritage. These volunteers may be scholars, clergymen, community relations professionals and other persons who, by virtue of their experience, training or interest, have acquired personal or academic knowledge of the culture, history and heritage of Italians and Americans of Italian heritage and who are willing to share that knowledge with students and teachers; e. To coordinate events observing the culture, history and heritage of Italians and Americans of Italian heritage and to seek volunteers who are willing and able to participate in commemorative events that will enhance student awareness of the significance of the culture, history and heritage of Italians and Americans of Italian heritage; f. To prepare reports for the Governor and the Legislature regarding its findings and recommendations to facilitate the inclusion of Italian and Americans of Italian heritage studies and special programs memorializing the culture, history and heritage of Italians and Americans of Italian heritage in the educational system of this State; and g. To develop, in consultation with the State Department of Education, curriculum guidelines for the teaching of subjects and topics concerning and relating to the culture, history and heritage of Italians and Americans of Italian heritage. To the greatest extent practicable, each board of education shall incorporate those guidelines as part of the curriculum for its district's elementary and secondary school students. L.2001,c.343,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-45 Assistance to commission.

4. a. The commission is authorized to call upon any department, office, division or agency of the State, or of any county, municipality or school district of the State, to supply such data, program reports and other information, personnel and assistance as it deems necessary to discharge its responsibilities under this act. b. These departments, offices, divisions and agencies shall, to the extent possible, and not inconsistent with any other law of this State, cooperate with the commission and shall furnish it with such information, personnel and assistance as may be necessary or helpful to accomplish the purposes of this act. L.2001,c.343,s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-46 Duties of commission relative to Institute of Italian and Italian American Heritage Studies.

5. a. The commission shall create, establish and oversee the Institute of Italian and Italian American Heritage Studies as an entity whose purpose is to assist the commission in implementation of its responsibilities as identified in section 3 of this act, P.L.2001, c.343 (C.18A:4-44). The commission shall function as the board of governors for the institute. The commission shall appoint an executive director of the institute who shall serve at its pleasure. b. The commission shall survey the New Jersey four-year universities and colleges that have an advanced degree program in the fields of Italian and/or Italian American studies and select one to serve as host to the institute. The institute shall not be administered by the college or university selected as the host site. The institute will collaborate with and otherwise engage, share and exchange resources with the higher education community of New Jersey and work to establish mutually beneficial public service programs and activities consistent with the mission of the commission. c. The institute shall have the authority to raise private funds and obtain public funds to be used toward scholarships, grants and studies in the field of Italian and/or Italian American studies. d. The commission shall appoint an Advisory Council to the commission and institute. The advisory council shall consist of individuals who have served prominently as spokespersons for, or as leaders of, organizations in the Italian and Americans of Italian heritage community which serve members of religious, ethnic, national heritage or social groups or who are experienced in the field of Italian and Americans of Italian heritage education. L.2001,c.343,s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-47 Findings, declarations relative to Latino and Hispanic heritage cultural and educational programs.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. New Jersey is home to a significant number of people of Latino and Hispanic descent, representing 19% of the State's total population. Several municipalities in the State have Hispanic majority populations, and Latinos and Hispanics constitute one-third of the population of Newark, the largest city in the State. Parts of Hudson County, including West New York and Union City, have been nicknamed "Havana on the Hudson" for the large number of Cuban exiles and emigres living there. b. The histories of our nation and our State have been significantly enriched by the heritage of Latinos and people of Hispanic descent. Our nation and our State have benefitted substantially from the influences and contributions of these men, women, and children and their distinctive culture, history, and heritage. c. It is desirable to educate our citizens about the positive aspects of the culture, music, art, language, history, and people of Latino and Hispanic heritage. d. It is the policy of the State of New Jersey that the culture, history, and heritage of people of Latino and Hispanic descent are a proper concern for all people, particularly students enrolled in the schools of this State. e. It is appropriate and desirable that programs, workshops, institutes, seminars, and other teacher-training activities for the study of the culture, history, and heritage of people of Latino and Hispanic descent be conducted at the high schools and institutions of higher education in this State. f. It is fitting and proper to establish a permanent State-level commission to survey, design, encourage, and promote the implementation of Latino and Hispanic cultural and educational programs in this State, with responsibility for the coordination of events that will provide appropriate awareness and memorialization of the culture, history, heritage, and language of people of Latino and Hispanic descent on a regular basis throughout the State. L.2019, c.321, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-48 Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage.

2. a. The Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage is created and established in the Executive Branch of the State Government. For the purposes of complying with the provisions of Article V, Section IV, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution, the commission is allocated within the Department of Education, but notwithstanding this allocation, the commission shall be independent of any supervision or control by the department or any board or officer thereof. The commission shall consist of 21 members, including the Commissioner of Education and the chair of the executive board of the Presidents' Council, serving ex officio, and 19 public members. Public members shall be appointed as follows: five public members shall be appointed by the President of the Senate; five public members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly; and nine public members shall be appointed by the Governor. The public members shall be residents of the State who have knowledge and experience in Latino or Hispanic studies or education. To the greatest extent practicable, they shall be chosen with due regard to provide the commission with broad regional representation and ethnic diversity. At least one-half of the public members shall be of Latino or Hispanic descent. b. Each public member of the commission shall serve for a term of three years, except that of the initial members appointed: one member appointed by the President of the Senate, one member appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, and two members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of one year; two members appointed by the President of the Senate, two members appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, and three members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of two years; and two members appointed by the President of the Senate, two members appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, and four members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of three years. Public members shall be eligible for reappointment and shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. The term of the successor of any incumbent shall be calculated from the expiration of the term of that incumbent. A vacancy occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, but for the unexpired term only. c. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for all necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. d. The commission annually shall elect a chairperson from among its members. It shall meet upon the call of the chair or of a majority of the commission members. The presence of a majority of the authorized membership of the commission shall be required for the conduct of official business. e. The commission shall appoint an executive director, who shall serve at its pleasure and shall be a person qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office. L.2019, c.321, s.2; amended 2025, c.273.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-49 Responsibilities, duties of commission.

3. The commission shall have the following responsibilities and duties: a. To provide, based upon the collective knowledge and experience of its members, assistance and advice to the public and nonpublic schools of this State with respect to the implementation of cultural and educational programs concerning people of Latino and Hispanic descent; b. To meet with county and local school officials and other interested public and private organizations, for the purpose of assisting with the planning, coordination, or modification of courses of study dealing with issues, matters and subjects concerning or relating to the culture, history, and heritage of people of Latino and Hispanic descent; c. To survey and catalog the extent and breadth of Latino and Hispanic heritage cultural awareness and educational programs presently being incorporated into the curricula and taught in the school systems of this State; to inventory those Latino and Hispanic heritage exhibits and resources which may be incorporated into courses of study at various locations throughout the State and, upon request, to assist the Department of Education and other educational agencies in the development and implementation of Latino and Hispanic heritage cultural awareness and educational programs. In furtherance of this responsibility, the commission shall be authorized to contact and cooperate with existing Latino and Hispanic heritage public or private nonprofit resource organizations and may act as a liaison concerning issues and topics involving and relating to the culture, history, and heritage of Latinos and Hispanics to members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives, and the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly; d. To compile a roster of individual volunteers who are willing to share their knowledge and experience in classrooms, seminars, and workshops on subjects concerning and relating to the culture, history, and heritage of people of Latino and Hispanic descent. These volunteers may be scholars, clergymen, community relations professionals, and other persons who, by virtue of their experience, training, or interest, have acquired personal or academic knowledge of the culture, history, and heritage of Latinos and Hispanics and who are willing to share that knowledge with students and teachers; e. To coordinate events observing the culture, history, and heritage of people of Latino and Hispanic descent and to seek volunteers who are willing and able to participate in commemorative events that will enhance student awareness of the significance of the culture, history, and heritage of Latinos and Hispanics; f. To prepare reports for the Governor and the Legislature regarding its findings and recommendations to facilitate the inclusion of Latino and Hispanic heritage studies and special programs memorializing the culture, history, and heritage of Latinos and Hispanics in the educational system of this State; and g. To develop, in consultation with the Department of Education, curriculum guidelines for the teaching of subjects and topics concerning and relating to the culture, history, and heritage of people of Latino and Hispanic descent. To the greatest extent practicable, each board of education shall incorporate those guidelines as part of the curriculum for its district's elementary and secondary school students. L.2019, c.321, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-50 Authority of commission.

4. a. The commission is authorized to call upon any department, office, division, or agency of the State, or of any county, municipality, or school district of the State, to supply such data, program reports and other information, personnel, and assistance as it deems necessary to discharge its responsibilities under this act. b. These departments, offices, divisions, and agencies shall, to the extent possible, and not inconsistent with any other law of this State, cooperate with the commission and shall furnish it with such information, personnel, and assistance as may be necessary or helpful to accomplish the purposes of this act. L.2019, c.321, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-51 Findings, declarations.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. The 2010 United States Census estimated that there were approximately 17.3 million Asian Americans residing in the United States, or roughly 5.6 percent of the nation's population, with the largest subgroups being Chinese Americans, Filipino Americans, Indian Americans, Vietnamese Americans, Korean Americans, and Japanese Americans. b. According to the census, almost three-quarters of all Asian Americans live in just 10 states (California, New York, Texas, New Jersey, Hawaii, Illinois, Washington, Florida, Virginia, and Pennsylvania). In fact, only two states, Hawaii and California, had a higher percentage of Asian Americans in their total populations than New Jersey. c. By 2016, in its estimate of the nation's population, the census bureau estimated that the population of Asian Americans had grown to approximately 21 million. d. New Jersey is home to a significant number of people of Asian descent. According to the most recent American Community Survey, the Asian population of New Jersey is 9.4 percent of the total population of the State, significantly higher than the national percentage. e. The histories of our nation and our State have been significantly enriched by the heritage of people of Asian descent. Our nation and our State have benefitted substantially from the influences and contributions of these men, women, and children and their culture, history, and heritage. f. It is desirable to educate our citizens about the positive aspects of the culture, music, art, language, history, and people of Asian heritage. g. It is the policy of the State of New Jersey that the culture, history, and heritage of people of Asian descent are a proper concern for all people, particularly students enrolled in the schools of the State. h. It is appropriate and desirable that programs, workshops, institutes, seminars, and other teacher-training activities for the study of the culture, history, and heritage of people of Asian descent be conducted at the high schools and institutions of higher education in this State. i. It is fitting and proper to establish a permanent State-level commission to survey, design, encourage, and promote the implementation of Asian or Asian American cultural and educational programs in this State, with responsibility for the coordination of events that will provide appropriate awareness and memorialization of the culture, history, heritage, and language of people of Asian or Asian American descent on a regular basis throughout the State. L.2021, c.410, s.1

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-52 Commission on Asian American Heritage established; membership criteria, terms.

2. a. The Commission on Asian American Heritage is created and established in the Executive Branch of the State Government. For the purposes of complying with the provisions of Article V, Section IV, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution, the commission is allocated within the Department of Education, but notwithstanding this allocation, the commission shall be independent of any supervision or control by the department or any board or officer thereof. The commission shall consist of 21 members, including the Commissioner of Education, ex officio, or a designee, the chair of the executive board of the Presidents' Council, ex officio, or a designee, and 19 public members. Public members shall be appointed as follows: five public members shall be appointed by the President of the Senate, at least one of whom shall have a master's degree in an area of Asian studies, Asian American studies, or related disciplines; five public members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, at least one of whom shall have a master's degree in an area of Asian studies, Asian American studies, or related disciplines; and nine public members shall be appointed by the Governor, no less than four of whom shall at the time of their appointment have at least a master's degree in an area of Asian studies, Asian American studies, or related disciplines. The public members shall be residents of the State who have served prominently as spokespersons for, or as leaders of, organizations in the Asian or Asian American heritage community which serve members of religious, ethnic, national heritage, or social groups or who are experienced in the field of Asian or Asian American heritage education. To the greatest extent practicable, they shall be chosen with due regard to provide the commission with broad regional representation and ethnic diversity. At least one-half of the public members shall be of Asian or Asian American descent. b. Each public member of the commission shall serve for a term of three years, except that of the initial members appointed: one member appointed by the President of the Senate, one member appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, and two members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of one year; two members appointed by the President of the Senate, two members appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, and three members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of two years; and two members appointed by the President of the Senate, two members appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, and four members appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of three years. Public members shall be eligible for reappointment and shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. The term of the successor of any incumbent shall be calculated from the expiration of the term of that incumbent. A vacancy occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, but for the unexpired term only. c. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for all necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. d. The commission annually shall elect a chairperson from among its members. It shall meet upon the call of the chair or of a majority of the commission members. The presence of a majority of the authorized membership of the commission shall be required for the conduct of official business. e. The commission shall appoint an executive director, who shall serve at its pleasure and shall be a person qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office. L.2021, c.410, s.2

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-53 Commission responsibilities, duties.

3. The commission shall have the following responsibilities and duties: a. To provide, based upon the collective knowledge and experience of its members, assistance and advice to the public and nonpublic schools of this State with respect to the implementation of historical, cultural, and educational programs concerning people of Asian and Asian American descent; b. To infuse the history of Asian Americans into the social studies curriculum in order to provide an accurate, complete, and inclusive history; c. To ensure that New Jersey teachers are equipped to effectively teach the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies; d. To meet with county and local school officials and other interested public and private organizations, for the purpose of assisting with the planning, coordination, or modification of courses of study dealing with issues, matters and subjects concerning or relating to the culture, history, and heritage of people of Asian or Asian American descent; e. To survey and catalog the extent and breadth of Asian and Asian American heritage cultural awareness and educational programs presently being incorporated into the curricula and taught in the school systems of this State; to inventory those Asian and Asian American heritage exhibits and resources which may be incorporated into courses of study at various locations throughout the State and, upon request, to assist the Department of Education and other educational agencies in the development and implementation of Asian and Asian American heritage cultural awareness and educational programs. In furtherance of this responsibility, the commission shall be authorized to contact and cooperate with existing Asian and Asian American heritage public or private nonprofit resource organizations and may act as a liaison concerning issues and topics involving and relating to the culture, history, and heritage of Asians and Asian Americans to members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives, and the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly; f. To compile a roster of individual volunteers who are willing to share their knowledge and experience in classrooms, seminars, and workshops on subjects concerning and relating to the culture, history, and heritage of people of Asian and Asian American descent. These volunteers may be scholars, clergymen, community relations professionals, and other persons who, by virtue of their experience, training, or interest, have acquired personal or academic knowledge of the culture, history, and heritage of Asians and Asian Americans and who are willing to share that knowledge with students and teachers; g. To coordinate events observing the culture, history, and heritage of people of Asian and Asian American descent and to seek volunteers who are willing and able to participate in commemorative events that will enhance student awareness of the significance of the culture, history, and heritage of Asians and Asian Americans; h. To prepare reports for the Governor and the Legislature regarding its findings and recommendations to facilitate the inclusion of Asian American history, Asian heritage studies and special programs memorializing the culture, history, and heritage of Asians and Asian Americans in the educational system of this State; and i. To develop, in consultation with the Department of Education, curriculum guidelines for the teaching of subjects and topics concerning and relating to the culture, history, and heritage of people of Asian and Asian American descent. To the greatest extent practicable, each board of education shall incorporate those guidelines as part of the curriculum for its district's elementary and secondary school students. L.2021, c.410, s.3

N.J. Stat. § 18A:4-54 Commission authority, data access.

4. a. The commission is authorized to call upon any department, office, division, or agency of the State, or of any county, municipality, or school district of the State, to supply such data, program reports and other information, personnel, and assistance as it deems necessary to discharge its responsibilities under this act. b. These departments, offices, divisions, and agencies shall, to the extent possible, and not inconsistent with any other law of this State, cooperate with the commission and shall furnish it with such information, personnel, and assistance as may be necessary or helpful to accomplish the purposes of this act. L.2021, c.410, s.4
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026

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