On March 21, 2019, the New Jersey Department of Education issued a memo regarding the federal requirement for local school districts to consult with the private schools within their boundaries.
The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) requires that districts provide consultation for equitable services for nonpublic school students, their teachers, and other educational personnel.
These services include special education, nursing services, textbooks, compensatory education, English as a second language, and home instruction.
To assist districts in accomplishing this goal, the department has created a toolkit for districts. The toolkit includes a variety of resources for districts including a notification letter and sample agreement. For any questions regarding these district responsibilities, call Constance Webster, ESSA Nonpublic Ombudsman at (609) 376-3662 or email her.