In April 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy signed A-3904 into law (P.L.2020, c.27, or “Chapter 27”), which, in part, requires local educational agencies to submit a proposed program for emergency virtual or remote instruction by July 31 annually to the New Jersey Department of Education.
In July 2022, the NJDOE readopted N.J.A.C. 6A:32, School District Operations, with amendments and new rules that include updates to the components of an LEA’s plan. This law provides for the continuity of instruction in the event of a public health-related district closure, by permitting LEAs to utilize virtual or remote instruction to satisfy the 180-day requirement pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:32-13.1 & 13.2.
To assist LEAs in the submission of plans, the NJDOE is issuing “Local Educational Agency Guidance for Chapter 27 Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Programs for the 2023-2024 School Year,” located on the NJDOE county offices webpage. It includes a checklist to identify components that must be included in the plan.
By July 31 annually, each chief school administrator/LEA lead person must submit the LEA’s plan for the next school year, approved by the district board of education or charter or renaissance school project board of trustees, and the completed checklist to the respective county office of education. As a reminder, an LEA must also post the plan prominently on its website.
If you have questions, contact your county office of education.