NJ A5779

Establishes a 20-member "Chronic Absenteeism Task Force" to assess chronic absenteeism in New Jersey public schools

Task force membership includes the Commissioner of Education, 4 legislative appointees, and 15 gubernatorial appointees representing education organizations including the NJ Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, School Boards Association, Principals and Supervisors Association, and parent advocacy groups

Task force must examine current and pre-pandemic chronic absenteeism data, analyze root causes (barriers to attendance, school disengagement, mental health, school climate), and study the impact of COVID-19 exposure absences and discipline policies

Required to research best practices from other states and develop recommendations for promoting family engagement to reduce chronic absenteeism

Must issue a final report with findings and legislative recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 6 months of organizing, after which the task force expires within 30 days