SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 2881

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 18, 2015

      The Senate Education Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 2881.

      This bill prohibits the Commissioner of Education from withholding State school aid from a school district based on the participation rate of its students on the State assessments.  Recent media articles indicate that the commissioner has suggested the possibility of withholding State aid if a significant share of students in a district do not take an assessment.  This bill would prevent districts from being penalized for matters beyond their control.