NJ S2030

Establishes the Elementary Home Reading Grant Program administered by the Commissioner of Education to improve reading proficiency among elementary students through partnerships between school districts and nonprofit organizations

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

School districts apply competitively for grants, with the Commissioner prioritizing programs serving economically disadvantaged students, demonstrating sustainability beyond grant funding, and representing geographic diversity across urban, suburban, and rural areas statewide

Grant funds are awarded on a 100% matching basis, with the State matching per-student costs proposed by school districts

Appropriates $500,000 from unexpended federal coronavirus pandemic funds to the Department of Education, with the bill taking effect on the first day of the seventh month following enactment