NJ S1767

Eliminates census-based funding for special education aid in New Jersey's school funding formula, replacing calculations based on statewide average classification rates with funding based on actual counts of special education students in each district.

Removes the State average classification rate (SEACR) for general special education services pupils and speech-only pupils (SACR) from the adequacy budget formula used to determine district funding.

Changes the special education cost calculation from using resident enrollment multiplied by statewide average classification rates to using the actual number of special education students (SEENR) and speech-only pupils (SPEONLY) enrolled in each district.

Amends P.L.1996, c.138 and P.L.2007, c.260 to delete legislative findings supporting the census model approach, which was originally adopted to mitigate variability in special education costs across districts.

Sponsored by Senators Troy Singleton (District 7) and Vin Gopal (District 11), with bipartisan co-sponsorship, and pre-filed for introduction in the 2026 legislative session.