SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1848

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  AUGUST 20, 2020

      The Senate Education Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 1848.

     This bill would create a Statewide priority hiring pool comprised of individuals who were formerly employed in school districts and whose positions were eliminated as a result of the school district experiencing a reduction in State school aid under the provisions of P.L.2018, c.67 (C.18A:7F-67 et al.).  Under the bill, when a school district that has experienced an increase in State school aid under that same law has a vacant position, an individual who is a member of the priority hiring pool and who is qualified for the particular vacant position must be given an opportunity to interview for the position before the school district may consider applicants who are not members of the priority hiring pool.  The bill would not affect the seniority rights established under existing law at N.J.S.18A:28-11 and N.J.S.18A:28-12 for the reemployment of a teacher in a school district who was previously dismissed by the district due to a reduction of force.