NJ S3776

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, four legislative appointees, and 15 gubernatorial appointees representing education associations, unions, school boards, and parent advocacy groups

Task force duties include examining pre-pandemic vs. current absenteeism data, analyzing root causes (barriers, disengagement, mental health, school climate), and researching best practices from other states

Must also analyze impacts of COVID-19 exposure absences and student discipline policies, and develop recommendations for family engagement strategies

Required to issue final report with findings and legislative recommendations within one year of organizing, after which the task force expires 30 days later