Schools Wait for Accountability Regs

Schools Wait for Accountability Regs

The second draft of the state Department of Education’s Accountability Regulations, which were expected to be released last week, still have not been issued. Commissioner of Education Lucille E. Davy has stated that she wants the entire set of regulations in effect for September.

The regulations implement aspects of the School District Accountability Act, the new school funding formula and the CORE reform act. The first draft, which was 205 pages, was unveiled April 30.

Emergency Regulations Some sections would be implemented immediately as “commissioner,” or emergency, regulations. They include provisions regarding the budget review powers of the executive county superintendent; bans against excessive or unreasonable expenditures; and conditions for receipt of state aid, including efficiency standards, anti-nepotism policies and financial controls.

State Board Process Other sections would be subject to the usual code adoption procedures, which is a lengthier process that includes hearings before the State Board of Education.

Footnote Language Some sections could also be implemented as “footnote” language tacked on to the 2008-2009 state budget, which the Legislature must pass by the end of June. These provisions deal with board member travel, consolidation and shared services; transportation efficiency and auditing; administrator and board member accountability, including review of administrators’ contracts and public notice of contract changes; and fiscal accountability and budget development. NJSBA will provide updates on its Web site.