NJ S244

Creates a three-year pilot program in the New Jersey Department of Education to fund school districts implementing extended school days or school years, with grants up to $1,000,000 annually per district.

Limits participation to 20 school districts maximum: five each from southern, central, and northern New Jersey regions, plus five additional districts selected based on highest academic need.

Prioritizes funding for districts with high academic need based on statewide assessment results, graduation rates, and dropout rates, requiring applications to demonstrate majority support from teaching staff.

Grants may cover increased staff pay (through collective bargaining agreements), additional student transportation, and extended support services related to longer school days or years.

Requires participating districts to report annually on student participation and attendance, with the Commissioner submitting a final evaluation report to the Governor and Legislature at least 180 days before the program ends.