New Jersey-2020-S326-Introduced

An Act renaming "county vocational school districts," revising various parts of the statutory law, and supplementing chapter 54 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. Section 1 of P.L.2007, c.222 (C.18A:46-47) is amended to read as follows:

1. a. Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, a board of chosen freeholders may, by resolution, establish one board of education for the county special services school district established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1971, c.271 (C.18A:46-29) and the county [vocational school district] career academy established pursuant to chapter 54 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. This board of education shall be known as "The Board of Education of the Special Services School District and the [Vocational School District] Career Academy of the county of...." This board shall have all the powers, functions and duties provided to a board of education of a county special services school district pursuant to article 8 of chapter 46 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes and a board of education of a county [vocational school district] career academy pursuant to article 3 of chapter 54 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.

b. The consolidated board of education established pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall consist of the executive county superintendent of schools, ex officio, and six persons to be appointed by the chief elected executive officer of the county, or the director of the board of chosen freeholders, with the advice and consent of the remaining members of the board of chosen freeholders, as appropriate to the appointment procedures established by the form of government of the county. In any county having a county mental health board, the chairman thereof, or his designee, shall also serve as an ex-officio, nonvoting member of the board. At least three of the appointed members shall have an interest in children with an educational disability or in the field of mental health and at least three of the appointed members shall have an interest in the field of vocational education. The appointed members shall serve for terms of three years and shall continue to serve until their successors are appointed and qualify. A vacancy in the board shall be deemed to exist, and shall be filled, in the manner prescribed in P.L.1979, c.302 (C.40A:9-12.1).

Each appointed member shall be a citizen and resident of the county and shall have been a citizen and resident for at least two years immediately preceding becoming a member of the board. If an appointed member ceases to be a resident of the county, membership on the board shall cease.

c. Of the initial members appointed to the board of education established pursuant to subsection a. of this section, two shall serve a one-year term, two shall serve a two-year term, and two shall serve a three-year term. Thereafter when a term of one of the appointed members expires, the vacancy shall be filled as provided pursuant to this section and the member shall serve a three-year term from November 1 next succeeding the date of his appointment.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.222, s.1)

2. Section 2 of P.L.2007, c.222 (C.18A:46-48) is amended to read as follows:

2. Whenever a board of education is established pursuant to subsection a. of section 1 of this act, the board of education of the county special services school district and the board of education of the county [vocational school district] career academy shall be dissolved upon the first organization of the consolidated board.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.222, s.2)

3. Section 4 of P.L.2007, c.222 (C.18A:46-50) is amended to read as follows:

4. Nothing in this act shall be deemed to authorize the consolidation of a county special services school district and a county [vocational school district] career academy into one school district. If a consolidated board of education is established pursuant to subsection a. of section 1 of this act, the county special services school district and the county [vocational school district] career academy shall continue to be funded, operated, and maintained as independent school districts.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.222, s.4)

4. Section 5 of P.L.2007, c.222 (C.18A:46-51) is amended to read as follows:

5. All employees of a board of education dissolved pursuant to this act shall continue in their respective assignments in the county special services school district or the county [vocational school district] career academy. A consolidated board of education established pursuant to this act shall recognize, preserve, and maintain all rights to tenure, seniority, pension, leaves of absence, and all other terms and conditions of employment, whether created by statute, regulation, contract, or past practice. Any periods of employment with a board of education dissolved pursuant to this act shall count toward the acquisition of tenure and any other rights, benefits, or emoluments to the same extent as if all employment had been with the consolidated board of education established pursuant to this act.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.222, s.5)

5. Section 6 of P.L.2007, c.222 (C.18A:46-52) is amended to read as follows:

6. All collective bargaining units and their respective majority representatives in existence in the county special services school district and the county [vocational school district] career academy prior to the consolidation of the boards of education shall be maintained without change under a consolidated board of education established pursuant to this act, unless they are otherwise altered through an appropriate petition to the Public Employment Relations Commission for a change in representation or bargaining units.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.222, s.6)

6. N.J.S.18A:54-10 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-10. Whenever the money appropriated for vocational schools by the legislature, together with the amount certified by the commissioner to the director of the division of budget and accounting in the department of the treasury for apportionment to such schools, shall be less than the amount legally applied for by the several schools, then there shall be paid to each school such proportionate share of the amount applied for as the total amount applied for shall bear to the total amount of the appropriation and apportionment for that year. Such proportionate payment shall not relieve the state of its obligation toward the districts respecting vocational school funds. Nothing in this section shall apply to a county [vocational school] career academy.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-10)

7. Section 1 of P.L.1977, c.290 (C.18A:54-10.1) is amended to read as follows:

1. For the purpose of providing vocational education courses on an individual or group basis, boards of education may, according to rules prescribed by the commissioner and approved by the State board, enter into contracts with private vocational schools when such courses cannot be provided by the county career academy or regional vocational schools or other school districts or a private vocational school can provide substantially equivalent training at a lesser cost. Each private vocational school shall hold a current license or certificate of approval issued by the State Board of Education or other appropriate State board or agency and shall be approved for the purposes of this act by the Commissioner of Education. Such license or certificate of approval must have been held by the private vocational school for at least 2 consecutive years immediately preceding execution of the contract.

(cf: P.L.1977, c.290, s.1)

8. N.J.S.18A:54-11 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-11. County [vocational schools] career academies
organized after July 1, 1931, shall not, except as otherwise in this chapter provided, include the territory within the school district boundaries of any city having a resident public school enrollment of 15,000 or more, if such city is maintaining a system of vocational education approved for the purposes of federal or [state] State allotment of vocational funds by the commissioner under the regulations of the [state] State board.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-11)

9. N.J.S.18A:54-11.1 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-11.1. Any county [vocational school district] career academy created or organized subsequent to July 1, 1962 in a county of the second class having a population of not less than 375,000 nor more than 425,000 inhabitants, shall include the territory within the boundaries of any city referred to in [section] N.J.S.18A:54-11 after the date of filing in the office of the commissioner of a certified copy of a resolution adopted by the board of chosen freeholders of such county subsequent to the organization of such county [vocational school district] career academy and of a resolution adopted by the board of education of such city (with the concurrence expressed by resolution of the board of school estimate of such city and of the board or body having charge of the finances of such city), setting forth the finding and determination that it is in the best interests of such county [vocational school district] career academy and of such city and its school district, that such county [vocational school district] career academy shall include the territory within the school district boundaries of such city.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-11.1)

10. N.J.S.18A:54-11.2 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-11.2. The board of education of each county [vocational school district] career academy and the board of education of each city referred to above in [section] N.J.S.18A:54-11.1, are each hereby authorized and empowered to undertake and to enter into agreements of any nature whatsoever necessary, desirable, useful or convenient for and with respect to the assumption, operation, or administration by the county [vocational school district] career academy of any system of vocational education then being maintained in such city, including, but not limited to, the transfer of principals, teachers, employees, pupils or classes, the purchase, grant, transfer or lease to the county [vocational school district] career academy of any lands, schools, buildings, furnishings, equipment, apparatus or supplies constituting part of or used in connection with such city system, and the making of or provision for payments, costs or expenses in connection with any of the aforesaid, and copy of any such agreement shall be filed in the office of the commissioner.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-11.2)

11. N.J.S.18A:54-11.3 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-11.3. All principals, teachers and employees of the school district in any city referred to above in [section] N.J.S.18A:54-11.1 and who are employed in or assigned to the system of vocational education in any such city shall be transferred to and continue their respective employments in the employ of the county [vocational school district] career academy from and after the date of transfer provided for in any agreement entered into pursuant to [section] N.J.S.18A:54-11.2, and their rights to tenure, pension and accumulated leave of absence accorded under the laws of the [state] State shall not be affected by the transfer to the county [vocational school district] career academy.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-11.3)

12. N.J.S.18A:54-12 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-12. When it has been determined by resolution of the [state] State board that a need exists in any county for a county [vocational schools] career academy, the [state] State board shall transmit a copy of the resolution to the board of chosen freeholders of the county. Upon receiving the copy, the board of chosen freeholders shall vote on the question whether [such schools] a career academy shall be established in the county in accordance with the recommendation. If the board of chosen freeholders by a majority vote favors the establishment of [such schools] a career academy in the county, [such schools] a career academy shall be forthwith established and maintained in the county and shall be known as the "[vocational schools] county career academy in the county of " (here insert the name of the county in which the [schools are] career academy is located).

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-12)

13. Section 8 of P.L.2007, c.222 (C.18A:54-12.1) is amended to read as follows:

8. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, a board of chosen freeholders may, by resolution, establish one board of education for the county special services school district established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1971, c.271 (C.18A:46-29) and the county [vocational school district] career academy established pursuant to chapter 54 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes, according to the provisions of sections 1 through 6 of P.L.2007, c.222 (C.18A:46-47 through C.18A:46-52).

(cf: P.L.2007, c.222, s.8)

14. Section 9 of P.L.2007, c.222 (C.18A:54-12.2) is amended to read as follows:

9. If a board of chosen freeholders establishes a board of education pursuant to subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.2007, c.222 (C.18A:46-47), whenever in any law, rule, regulation, contract, document, judicial or administrative proceeding or otherwise, reference is made to the board of education of the county [vocational school district] career academy, the same shall mean and refer to the consolidated board.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.222, s.9)

15. N.J.S.18A:54-13 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-13. In any county having a population not exceeding 100,000 inhabitants, there may be established and maintained a [vocational school] county career academy to be known as the "[vocational school] county career academy in the county of " (here insert the name of the county in which the [schools are] career academy is located).

At the request in writing of not less than 15% of the registered voters of any such county the county clerk shall submit at the next ensuing general election, and shall cause to be printed upon the ballot to be voted at such election the following question:

"Shall [vocational schools] a county career academy be established in the county of (here insert the name of the county), pursuant to the provisions of article 3 of chapter 54 of Title 18A, Education, of the New Jersey Statutes."

In squares at the right shall be placed the words "Yes" and "No." Any person desiring the establishment of [such schools] a career academy in the county shall mark a cross ( x ), plus (+) or check

( x ) mark in the square opposite the word "Yes," and any person opposed thereto shall make a cross ( x ), plus (+) or check ( x ) mark opposite the word "No."

If a majority of all the ballots so voted shall favor the establishment of the [schools] career academy, then the same shall be forthwith established and maintained as provided in this chapter. The results from such election shall be returned and canvassed in the same manner and at the same time as other election returns are canvassed.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-13)

16. N.J.S.18A:54-14 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-14. In any second-class county of this [state] State in which there does not presently exist a [vocational school] county career academy established under the laws of the [state] State, the board of chosen freeholders of such county may, by a majority vote, establish a [vocational school] county career academy to be known as the "[vocational school] county career academy in the county of" (here insert the name of the county in which the [school] career academy is to be located).

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-14)

17. N.J.S.18A:54-16 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-16. For each county [system of vocational schools] career academy established in accordance with this chapter, there shall be a board of education consisting of the executive county superintendent of schools and four persons to be appointed; provided, however, that a county of the first class which has adopted a form of government pursuant to the provisions of the "Optional County Charter Law" (P.L.1972, c.154; C.40:41A-1 et seq.) may, by ordinance, establish a board of education consisting of six, seven, or nine persons to be appointed and any other county may, by ordinance, establish a board of education consisting of six persons to be appointed.

In counties of the first class which, by ordinance, have established a board consisting of six, seven, or nine persons to be appointed, the appointive members shall be appointed by the chief elected executive officer of the county with the advice and consent of the board of chosen freeholders. In all other counties, the appointive members of the board shall be appointed by the chief elected executive officer of the county, or the director of the board of chosen freeholders, with the advice and consent of that board, as appropriate to the appointment procedures established by the form of government of the county. On a board with four appointive members, not more than two members, or in the case of a board with six appointive members, not more than three members, appointed in any such county of the second, third, fifth or sixth class shall be members of the same political party, but no changes for adjustment of party representation shall be made in a board except as vacancies occur.

In making the first appointments to a board with four appointive members, one person shall be appointed to serve for one year, one for two years, one for three years and one for four years from November 1 next succeeding the date of their respective appointments. In a county of the first class which, by ordinance, has established a board with seven appointive members, the chief elected executive officer shall make the first appointments to the board in the following manner: two shall be appointed to serve for one year, two for two years, two for three years, and one for four years from November 1 next succeeding the date of their respective appointments. The persons so appointed shall also serve from the date of their respective appointments until November 1 next ensuing.

In the case of a board of education with four appointive members on the effective date of P.L.2005, c.299 (C.18A:54-16.14 et al.) in a county of the first class or any other county which determines by ordinance to appoint a board with six appointive members, in making the initial appointment of the two additional members, one person shall be appointed to serve for two years and one person shall be appointed to serve for four years from November 1 next succeeding the date of their respective appointments.

In the case of a board of education with four appointive members on the effective date of P.L.2005, c.299 (C.18A:54-16.14 et al.) in a county of the first class which determines by ordinance to appoint a board with seven appointive members, in making the initial appointment of the three additional members, one person shall be appointed to serve for two years, one person shall be appointed to serve for three years, and one person shall be appointed to serve for four years from November 1 next succeeding the date of their respective appointments.

In the case of a board of education with four appointive members on the effective date of P.L.2005, c.299 (C.18A:54-16.14 et al.) in a county of the first class which determines by ordinance to appoint a board with nine appointive members, in making the initial appointment of the five additional members, one person shall be appointed to serve for one year, one person shall be appointed to serve for two years, one person shall be appointed to serve for three years, and two persons shall be appointed to serve for four years from November 1 next succeeding the date of their respective appointments.

In the case of a board of education with seven appointive members on the effective date of P.L.2005, c.299 (C.18A:54-16.14 et al.) in a county of the first class which determines by ordinance to appoint a board with nine appointive members, in making the initial appointment of the two additional members, one person shall be appointed to serve for two years and one person shall be appointed to serve for four years from November 1 next succeeding the date of their respective appointments.

Annually during the month of October a member or members, as the case may be, of the board shall be appointed to serve for a term of four years, and thereafter until the appointment and qualification of his respective successor, to take the place of the member or members, as the case may be, whose term or terms shall expire on November 1 then next ensuing.

A vacancy in the board shall be deemed to exist, and shall be filled, in the manner prescribed in P.L.1979, c.302 (C.40A:9-12.1).

(cf: P.L.2005, c.299, s.1)

18. Section 1 of P.L.1983, c.396 (C.18A:54-16.8) is amended to read as follows:

1. Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of chapter 54 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes, in all counties of the third class with a population greater than 110,000 but less than 125,000 as of the latest federal decennial census the board of education of the county [vocational-technical school] career academy shall consist of five members to be appointed by the appointing authority of the county.

(cf: P.L.1984, c.8, s.1)

19. Section 1 of P.L.1984, c.165 (C.18A:54-16.11) is amended to read as follows:

1. Notwithstanding any provision of chapter 54 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes to the contrary, in all counties of the third class with a population greater than 80,000 but less than 105,000 as of the latest federal decennial census the board of education of the county [vocational-technical school] career academy shall consist of at least five members to be appointed by the appointing authority of the county.

(cf: P.L.1984, c.165, s.1)

20. Section 2 of P.L.2005, c.299 (C.18A:54-16.14) is amended to read as follows:

2. Notwithstanding the provisions of P.L.2005, c.299 (C.18A:54-16.14 et al.) to the contrary, if a county of the first class which has a county [vocational school] career academy board of education with seven members on the effective date of this act determines by ordinance within six months of the effective date of this act to appoint a board with nine members, one person shall be appointed to serve for two years and one person shall be appointed to serve for four years, which terms shall begin immediately upon appointment and shall expire on November 1 next succeeding the completion of the terms.

(cf: P.L.2005, c.299, s.2)

21. N.J.S.18A:54-17 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-17. Each member of a board of education [for] of a county [vocational schools] career academy shall be a citizen and resident of the county and shall have been such citizen and resident for at least three years immediately preceding his becoming a member of the board, and if he shall cease to be a resident of such county, his membership in said board shall cease.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-17)

22. N.J.S.18A:54-18 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-18. Each board of education [for] of a county [vocational schools] career academy shall organize annually on November 1 by the election of a president and vice-president, unless November 1 shall fall on Sunday, in which case the board shall organize on the following day.

If the organization meeting cannot take place on the day hereinabove provided for by reason of a lack of a quorum or for any
other reason, said meeting shall be held within 3 days thereafter.

(cf: P.L.1970, c.276, s.1)

23. N.J.S.18A:54-19 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-19. Each such board of education shall be a body corporate and shall be known as and called "the board of education

of the [vocational school] county career academy in the county of" (here insert the name of the county in which such [school] career academy shall be located).

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-19)

24. N.J.S.18A:54-20 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-20. The board of education of a county [vocational school district] career academy may:

a. Purchase, sell, and improve school grounds, erect, purchase, lease, enlarge, improve, and repair school buildings, including any building or buildings for school purposes owned by any municipality or school district in such county, with or without furnishings and equipment, and purchase school furniture and other necessary equipment;

b. Take and condemn land and other property for school purposes in the manner provided by law regulating the ascertainment and payment of compensation for property condemned and taken for public uses. If either party shall feel aggrieved by any proceedings and award thereunder, he may appeal in the manner provided by law for appeals from such proceedings and award;

c. Insure school buildings, furniture, and other school property, and receive, lease, and hold in trust any and all real and personal property for the benefit of the [school district] career academy;

d. Employ and dismiss principals, teachers, janitors, mechanics, and laborers; fix, alter, and order paid their salaries and compensation, and prescribe the course of study to be pursued;

e. Appoint a treasurer, who shall not be a member of the board of education and fix his salary and term of office. The treasurer shall give bond in such amounts and with such security as the board shall determine;

f. Make, amend, and repeal rules, not inconsistent with this title, or with the rules of the State board, for its own government, for the transaction of business, and for the government and management of the school and school property under its control;

g. Suspend and expel pupils from school;

h. Provide textbooks and other necessary supplies and apparatus;

i. Adopt an official seal by which all its official acts may be authenticated;

j. Make an annual report to the commissioner on or before August 1 in the manner and form prescribed by him;

k. Appoint a secretary and fix his salary and term of office; and

l. Borrow by temporary loan such sum as may be necessary to meet the current expenses of such [school district] career academy, not exceeding 80% of the anticipated tuition payments to be received from sending districts. Such temporary obligation, if any, shall be paid first out of the moneys received under this chapter.

(cf: P.L.1990, c.52, s.72)

25. Section 71 of P.L.1990, c.52 (C.18A:54-20.1) is amended to read as follows:

71. a. The board of education of each school district or regional school district in any county in which there is a county [vocational school district] career academy shall send to any of the schools of the county [vocational school district] career academy each pupil who resides in the school district or regional school district and who has applied for admission to and has been accepted for attendance at any of the schools of the county [vocational school district] career academy. The board of education shall pay tuition for each of these pupils to the county [vocational school district] career academy pursuant to subsection c. of this section. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the board of education of a school district or regional school district maintaining a vocational school or schools pursuant to article 2 of chapter 54 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.

b. The board of education of a county [vocational school district] career academy shall receive pupils from districts without the county so far as their facilities may permit.

c. The board of education of a county [vocational school district] career academy shall receive such funds as may be appropriated by the county pursuant to N.J.S.18A:54-29.2 and shall be entitled to collect and receive from the sending districts in which each pupil attending the [vocational school] county career academy resides, for the tuition of that pupil, except for a post-secondary vocational education pupil, a sum not to exceed the actual cost per pupil as determined for each vocational program classification, according to rules prescribed by the commissioner and approved by the State board. Whenever funds have been appropriated by the county, the county [vocational school district] career academy may charge a fee in addition to tuition for any pupils who are not residents of the county. The fee shall not exceed the amount of the county's per pupil appropriation to the county [vocational school district] career academy.

d. The tuition and nonresident fee, if any, shall be established not later than January 15 in advance of the school year by the board of education. The tuition for each program category shall be at the same rate per pupil for each sending district whether within or without the county, and 10% of the tuition amount and nonresident fee, if any, shall be paid on the first of each month from September to June by or on behalf of the board of education of each sending district.

e. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1991, c.62).

(cf: P.L.1991, c.62, s.24)

26. Section 1 of P.L.2013, c.52 (C.18A:54-20.3) is amended to read as follows:

1. a. As used in this section, "pupil directory information" means a pupil's name and address.

b. The board of education of a school district or regional school district located in a county in which there is a county [vocational school district] career academy shall provide, upon the request of that county [vocational school district] career academy, pupil directory information for each pupil enrolled in grades six through 12, or any subset of these grades, as requested by that county [vocational school district] career academy. The board of education of a school district or regional school district shall not provide the pupil directory information for a pupil if the parent previously submitted a request that the pupil's information not be released for the purposes of this subsection. The board of education of a school district or regional school district shall notify parents of the opportunity to prohibit the release of pupil directory information.

c. The Commissioner of Education shall establish the timelines during which a county [vocational school district] career academy may request pupil directory information and when the school district or regional school district shall provide the information.

(cf: P.L.2013, c.52, s.1)

27. N.J.S.18A:54-21 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-21. The [state] State board shall prescribe rules for the organization, management and control of such [schools] career academies.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-21)

28. N.J.S.18A:54-22 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-22. All teachers, principals, directors and assistant directors of boards of education of county [vocational schools] career academies shall have all rights and privileges of teachers, principals, superintendents and assistant superintendents of schools, respectively, in school districts.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-22)

29. Section 1 of P.L.1973, c.333 (C.18A:54-23.1) is amended to read as follows:

1. Every county [vocational school district] career academy board of education providing post secondary vocational-technical education shall, to the extent its facilities permit and subject to rules prescribed by the commissioner and approved by the State board, accept for post secondary vocational-technical education students who are residents of any other county in the State.

(cf: P.L.1973, c.333, s.1)

30. Section 2 of P.L.1973, c.333 (C.18A:54-23.2) is amended to read as follows:

2. Any person desiring to enroll in a post secondary vocational-technical program in a county [vocational school district] career academy as a nonresident student shall apply to the chief fiscal officer of his county of residence for a certificate of residence showing that said person is a resident of said county. The chief fiscal officer shall, upon application and submission to him of satisfactory evidence of such residence, issue said certificate provided that (a) the county does not maintain a [vocational school] career academy providing such a program, or (b) the county [vocational school district] career academy board of education certifies to the chief fiscal officer that it does not offer the particular course or curriculum desired by the applicant, or (c) the county [vocational school] career academy cannot admit the applicant into a particular course or curriculum desired by the applicant pursuant to rules approved by the State Board of Education. If the chief fiscal officer refuses to issue such a certificate, the applicant may appeal to the board of chosen freeholders within 10 days of the receipt of notice of such refusal. The board of chosen freeholders shall hold a hearing on such appeal within a reasonable time, but not less than 10 days after notice is given to the chief fiscal officer and the applicant. The board of chosen freeholders shall notify the applicant of its decision within 10 days after such hearing.

(cf: P.L.1973, c.333, s.2)

31. Section 3 of P.L.1973, c.333 (C.18A:54-23.3) is amended to read as follows:

3. Upon his registration for each school year, the nonresident student shall file with the county [vocational school district] career academy board of education such a certificate of residence issued not more than 2 months prior thereto and such a certificate of residence shall be valid for the current year or the academic year next succeeding the date of issuance.

(cf: P.L.1973, c.333, s.3)

32. Section 4 of P.L.1973, c.333 (C.18A:54-23.4) is amended to read as follows:

4. Any county [vocational school district] career academy board of education admitting nonresident students shall annually charge to, and collect from, each county of residence for each such student (a) $200.00 to be applied to the county's share of the [vocational school district's] county career academy's capital expenses and (b) the average county share of budgeted operating cost per full-time student as certified by the commissioner; provided however, that the said board of education may, with the approval of the commissioner, charge and collect a higher annual amount or amounts when high-cost or high-priority programs are provided.

(cf: P.L.1973, c.333, s.4)

33. Section 5 of P.L.1973, c.333 (C.18A:54-23.5) is amended to read as follows:

5. Each county [vocational school district] career academy board of education shall notify the [department of education] Department of Education of the names and addresses of all nonresident students and the courses and programs in which they are enrolled as of the second week of each term. Such notification shall be made in writing no later than the end of the fourth week of each term.

(cf: P.L.1973, c.333, s.5)

34. N.J.S.18A:54-24 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-24. The courses of study to be pursued in every county [vocational school] career academy, and all changes therein shall be approved by the commissioner, with the advice and consent of the [state] State board.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-24)

35. Section 1 of P.L.2011, c.137 (C.18A:54-24.1) is amended to read as follows:

1. a. As used in this section, "green job" means those aspects of employment that deal with renewable energy, energy conservation, energy efficiency, and energy sustainability.

b. A county [vocational school district] career academy may enter into a partnership with one or more private entities to develop and establish a green jobs certification program. Under the program the county [vocational school district] career academy shall identify needed skills, develop training programs, and train workers for green jobs in one or more industries including, but not limited to, energy efficient building, construction and retrofits, renewable electric power, energy efficient vehicles, biofuels, and manufacturing that produces sustainable products and uses sustainable processes and materials. The county [vocational school district] career academy shall issue a green jobs certification to each person who successfully completes the training program.

c. A county [vocational school district] career academy may review national standards established by various industries in developing a green jobs certification program.

d. A county [vocational school district] career academy may consult with the Department of Community Affairs in developing a green jobs certification program.

(cf: P.L.2011, c.137, s.1)

36. N.J.S.18A:54-25 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-25. The school year for a county [vocational school] career academy shall begin on July 1 and end June 30.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-25)

37. N.J.S.18A:54-26 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-26. No contract shall be entered into by the board of education of a county [vocational school] career academy, nor shall any bill or demand for money be paid until the same shall have been presented and passed on at a regularly called meeting of the board. Every such bill or demand, except for salaries, exceeding $25.00 shall be verified by affidavit or contain or have annexed thereto a signed declaration in writing to the effect that such bill or demand is correct in all its particulars, that the articles have been furnished or services rendered as stated therein and that no bonus has been given or received on account thereof.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-26)

38. N.J.S.18A:54-27 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-27. There shall be for each county [system of vocational schools] career academy a board of school estimate, which shall consist of two members of the board of education of the [school] career academy, appointed by that board, two members of the board of chosen freeholders of the county in which the [school] career academy is situate, appointed by that board, and the county supervisor of the county, in counties of the first class, and the director of the board of chosen freeholders, in other counties.

The appointments shall be made annually between January 1 and January 15. In case of a vacancy occurring in the board by reason of the resignation, death, or removal of any appointed member, the vacancy shall be filled immediately by the body which originally appointed the member, by appointing another of its members to fill the vacancy. The secretary of the board of education of the [school] career academy shall be the secretary of the board of school estimate, but shall receive no compensation as such.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-27)

39. N.J.S.18A:54-28 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-28. On or before the fourth Tuesday in March in each year the board of education of a county [vocational school district] career academy shall prepare and deliver to each member of the board of school estimate an itemized statement of the amount of money estimated to be necessary for the general fund expenses of the county [vocational school district] career academy for the ensuing school year. The board of education shall follow the procedures established in section 5 of P.L.1996, c.138 (C.18A:7F-5).

(cf: P.L.1996, c.138, s.80)

40. N.J.S.18A:54-29 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-29. Between the fourth Tuesday in March and April 8 in each year the board of school estimate shall fix and determine by action taken at a public meeting of the board the amount of money necessary to be appropriated for the use of the county [vocational school district] career academy for the ensuing school year exclusive of the amount to be received from the State as provided in [section] N.J.S.18A:54-32. The board of education of the county [vocational school district] career academy and the board of school estimate shall follow the procedures established in section 5 of P.L.1996, c.138 (C.18A:7F-5).

(cf: P.L.1996, c.138, s.81)

41. N.J.S.18A:54-29.1 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-29.1. The board of school estimate shall, on or before the last named date, make two certificates of the amount, signed by at least three of its members, one of which certificates shall be delivered to the board of education of the county [vocational school district] career academy and the other to the board of chosen freeholders of the county in which the [school] career academy is situated.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-29.1)

42. N.J.S.18A:54-29.3 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-29.3. The board of chosen freeholders of any county of the second class having a population of not less than 375,000 nor more than 425,000 inhabitants and which has created a county [vocational school district] career academy subsequent to July 1, 1962, may provide that the amounts (other than amounts to be raised for interest and redemption of bonds or notes issued by the county for purposes of such county [vocational school district] career academy) to be raised for annual or special appropriations for such county [vocational school district] career academy are to be apportioned on the basis of (1) the apportionment valuations, as defined in [section] R.S.54:4-49 [of the Revised Statutes], of the municipalities in such county, or (2) the average daily enrollment of pupils from municipalities within such county during the preceding school year, or (3) any combination or percentage of either of the aforesaid, as shall be determined by said board of chosen freeholders prior to October 1 for and with respect to the school year commencing on July 1 next succeeding said date. Determination as to any basis as aforesaid shall be made by resolution of such board of chosen freeholders, if such board, after consideration of the [vocational school] career academy needs of such county and of the municipalities therein and of the costs and expenses of such county [vocational school district] career academy and of the financial resources and abilities of such county and of the municipalities therein, shall find that such basis is in the best interests of the county and of such county [vocational school district] career academy and the municipalities therein. Any basis so established shall continue without change for a period of five school years, unless prior to the end of such period the commissioner, upon the request of the board of chosen freeholders or of the board of education of the county [vocational school district] career academy, shall determine that some other or different basis, as herein permitted or provided for, shall be in the best interest of such county, such county [vocational school district ] career academy and the municipalities therein, and is a basis which could have been established by the board of chosen freeholders of such county. Until any other basis shall have been established, the basis referred to as above shall be applicable to such county [vocational school district] career academy. Where average daily enrollment of the preceding school year is to be used as the whole or any part of a basis for apportionment of amounts to be raised for annual or special appropriations, the commissioner shall certify to the county [vocational school district] career academy and to the county board of taxation, from the latest official statistics then available or estimates thereof, the average daily enrollment to be used until such time as actual average daily enrollment statistics shall be available and certified by the commissioner as aforesaid. No amount to be raised for annual or special appropriations for the county [vocational school district] career academy shall be so appropriated except with the concurrence and consent of the board of chosen freeholders if the basis for raising such annual or special appropriations of the county [vocational school district] career academy shall require that more than 50% of such basis shall be such apportionment valuations.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-29.3)

43. Section 1 of P.L.1992, c.55 (C.18A:54-29.4) is amended to read as follows:

1. Any county which received approval from the State Board of Education, after July 1, 1990, for the establishment of a county [vocational school] career academy shall, consistent with the practice for existing county [vocational schools] career academies, be entitled to an exception to the limitation imposed upon increases in the county tax levy pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1976, c.68 (C.40A:4-45.4) in an amount equal to that expended for the county [vocational school] career academy board of education.

(cf: P.L.1992, c.55, s.1)

44. N.J.S.18A:54-30 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-30. All provisions of law relating to the entering into contract for the furnishing of supplies and to the preparation of plans and specifications for the construction, alteration or repair of any building by a board of education of a county [vocational school] career academy and the approval and filing thereof and of any such contract and to the advertisement for bids and the awarding of contracts as a result thereof, which are applicable to a board of education of a school district, shall likewise be applicable to a board of education of a county [vocational school] career academy and no municipal permit shall be required in connection with the making or performance of any such contract.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-30)

45. N.J.S.18A:54-31 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-31. Whenever a board of education of a county [vocational school district] career academy shall decide that it is necessary to sell bonds to raise money for any capital project, as defined in [section] N.J.S.18A:21-1 [of this Title], it shall prepare and deliver to each member of the board of school estimate a statement of the amount of money estimated to be necessary for such purpose or purposes.

The board of school estimate shall fix and determine the necessary amount and shall make two certificates thereof, one of which certificates shall be delivered to the board of education and the other to the board of chosen freeholders of the county in which the [school district] career academy is situate.

The board of chosen freeholders, or the members of a county improvement authority at the request of the board of education pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2015, c.68 (C.18A:7G-5a), may appropriate such amount and borrow such amount for the purpose or purposes aforesaid, and secure the repayment of the sum so borrowed, together with interest thereon, by the issuance of bonds or notes of the county pursuant to the local bond law, notwithstanding any debt limitation or requirement for down payment therein provided for, or by the issuance of bonds or notes of the county improvement authority pursuant to the "county improvement authorities law," P.L.1960, c.183 (C.40:37A-44 et seq.). The proceeds of the sale of such obligations shall be paid to the treasurer of the county [vocational school district] career academy, or in the case of bonds or notes issued by the county improvement authority to the chief financial officer of the authority if so directed by the treasurer, and shall be paid out only on the warrants or orders of the board of education of the [school district] career academy, or in the case of bonds or notes issued by the county improvement authority on the orders of the chief financial officer of the authority. The treasurer of the board of education or the chief financial officer of the authority, as applicable, shall in no event disburse such proceeds, except to pay the expenses of issuing and selling such obligations and for the purpose or purposes for which such obligations were issued. If for any reason any part of such proceeds are not applied to or necessary for such purpose or purposes, the board of education of the county [vocational school district] career academy may transfer the balance remaining unapplied to the general fund of the [school district] career academy.

(cf: P.L.2015, c.68, s.2)

46. N.J.S.18A:54-33 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-33. In any county of the second class in which there does not presently exist a [vocational school] county career academy established under the laws of this [state] State, the board of chosen freeholders of such county may, by a majority vote of the board, establish a [vocational school] career academy to be known as the "emergency [vocational school] career academy in the county of (here insert the name of the county in which the school is to be located)." In the event of the establishment of any emergency [vocational school] career academy as in this act provided, the board of chosen freeholders of the county shall have power to name a commission to supervise said [school] career academy, to prescribe courses in the emergency [vocational schools] career academy, and power to fix rates of tuition. The cost per pupil shall be established from time to time by the board of chosen freeholders and shall be paid in accordance with rules and regulations to be adopted by the board. The commission, selected for the supervision of such emergency [vocational school] career academy, shall have power to expend appropriations authorized and to obtain from the federal government or any agency thereof grants in aid of such emergency [vocational school] career academy.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-33)

47. N.J.S.18A:54-34 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-34. The commission charged with the supervision of such [school] career academy shall be three in number and shall hold their said offices for terms of three years and until their successors are appointed by the board of chosen freeholders. The commission shall annually report to the board of chosen freeholders. Vacancies occurring for any cause shall be filled by the board of chosen freeholders for the unexpired term.

Any person a resident of the county for a period of at least five years prior to the passage of this act may be selected to membership in such commission.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-34)

48. N.J.S.18A:54-36 is amended to read as follows:

18A:54-36. The board of chosen freeholders of any such county is authorized and empowered to provide by appropriation from time to time for the maintenance of emergency [vocational schools] career academies authorized to be established.

(cf: N.J.S.18A:54-36)

49. Section 1 of P.L.1973, c.305 (C.18A:54-37) is amended to read as follows:

1. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of chapter 54 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes, in any county of the first class having a population of not more than 700,000 according to the latest federal decennial census, each municipality included within a school district which has maintained for a minimum of 20 years a vocational education program approved for the purposes of federal or State allotment of vocational funds by the Commissioner of Education under the regulation of the State Board of Education shall be exempt from assessment, levy or collection of taxes based on any apportionment of amounts appropriated for the use of a county [vocational school district] career academy.

(cf: P.L.1981, c.462, s.20)

50. Section 1 of P.L.1993, c.302 (C.18A:54-38) is amended to read as follows:

1. There is established a body corporate and politic, with corporate succession, to be known as the New Jersey Council of County [Vocational Schools] Career Academies. A county [vocational school] career academy established pursuant to chapter 54 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes may, upon the approval of its board of education, be a member of the council.

(cf: P.L.1993, c.302, s.1)

51. Section 2 of P.L.1993, c.302 (C.18A:54-39) is amended to read as follows:

2. The council shall consist of the president of the board of education and the superintendent of each county [vocational school] career academy which is a member of the council. A board of education president may designate another member of the board as an alternate to attend and to vote at council meetings in the president's absence. A member of the council shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses.

(cf: P.L.1993, c.302, s.2)

52. Section 4 of P.L.1993, c.302 (C.18A:54-41) is amended to read as follows:

4. The council shall have perpetual succession and shall have the following powers and duties:

a. To make, amend and repeal rules, regulations and bylaws for its own government and guidance, not inconsistent with the purposes of the council;

b. To adopt an official seal and alter the same at pleasure;

c. To maintain an office at such place or places in the State as it may designate;

d. To sue and be sued in its own name;

e. To acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property in the exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties under this act. All this property shall be exempt from taxation under chapter 4 of Title 54 of the Revised Statutes; and

f. To aid all initiatives for the improvement of vocational, technical, and occupational education and to make recommendations to the State Board of Education concerning the county [vocational schools] career academies.

(cf: P.L.1993, c.302, s.4)

53. (New section) a. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a county vocational school district established pursuant to article 3 of chapter 54 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes shall be known as a county career academy.

b. Whenever, in any law, rule, regulation, order, contract, document, judicial or administrative proceeding or otherwise, reference is made to a county vocational school district, the same shall mean and refer to a county career academy.

54. This act shall take effect 180 days following the date of enactment.

STATEMENT

This bill renames "county vocational school districts" as "county career academies" to more accurately reflect the mission of these districts. The bill will take effect 180 days after the date of enactment.