NJ A6043

Creates a four-year Performing Arts Education Improvement Grant Program administered by the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, to fund performing arts education in schools

Requires applicant school districts to demonstrate that a majority of their schools have high concentrations of multilingual learners, students in foster care, rural students, or at-risk pupils

Limits grant awards to 10 selected school districts, with multi-year grants permitted based on available appropriations

Allows grant funds to be used for purchasing performing arts materials and equipment, teacher professional development, student transition programs to higher education or careers, and tutoring/extracurricular programs

Mandates annual reporting by grant recipients on program outcomes, with a final report from the Commissioner to the Governor and Legislature recommending whether to continue and expand the program