Panel Advances Pou Legislation to Modify NJQSAC Review Schedules in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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

The bill, S-3187, would 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.”

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 three-year schedule.

The bill was passed by the Senate Education Committee by a vote of 6-0.