Senate Passes Pou, Turner Legislation to Modify NJQSAC Review Schedules in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Trenton ­– In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senator Nellie Pou and Senator Shirley Turner that would postpone New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC) reviews for certain school districts.

The bill, S-3187, will postpone NJQSAC reviews for certain districts in order to allow school districts and the Department of Education to concentrate their time, funds, and resources towards addressing issues relating to COVID-19.

“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, school administrators and teachers have been working tirelessly to adapt to the ever-changing conditions and provide students the best education possible given the circumstances,” said Senator Pou (D-Bergen/Passaic). “Much of their focus has been on ensuring students are continuously prepared for the new learning conditions arising throughout this crisis. The goal of this legislation is to relieve school administrators of extra paperwork and allow them to focus on reopening schools in the safest way possible, whether it be remotely or through a hybrid model.”

“We have had to adapt to extraordinary circumstances in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and New Jersey school districts have been included in these major adaptations,” said Senator Turner (D – Mercer). “Allowing for modifications to be made to our NJQSAC Review will allow for school districts to better focus on accommodating the needs of the school and the students.”

Additionally, the bill would specify that all school districts that are not subject to the bill’s provisions would continue to be monitored according to their regular schedule.

The bill was passed by the Senate by a vote of 40-0.