NJ S2030

Creates the Elementary Home Reading Grant Program administered by the Commissioner of Education to increase reading proficiency and parental engagement for elementary school students through partnerships between school districts and nonprofit organizations.

Requires participating home reading programs to mail independent reading level books weekly to students' homes, provide 6-9 books students can permanently keep, and incorporate weekly multilingual communications to parents via phone, text, or app notifications.

Awards grants competitively to school districts on a 100% matching basis, with preference given to programs designed to operate beyond four years and geographic distribution across northern, central, and southern regions of New Jersey.

Appropriates $500,000 from unexpended federal coronavirus pandemic relief funds to the Department of Education, with provision for additional legislative appropriations if needed.

Mandates a report to the Governor and Legislature within two years detailing grant applicants, awards, student participation, reading proficiency outcomes, and recommendations for program continuation or expansion.