N.J. Stat. tit. 18A, ch. 54

in effect

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-1 Definitions

As used in this chapter, "vocational education" means any education the controlling purpose of which is: (a) to fit for profitable employment; (b) to provide training which is supplemental to the daily employment; or (c) to fit for homemaking, according to the state plan for vocational education adopted by the state board. L.1967, c.271

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-2 Investigation and approval of establishment by commissioner

The commissioner shall investigate the necessity for the introduction of vocational education and report thereon, from time to time, to the state board. Subject to the approval of the state board and to such rules as it may make, the commissioner shall superintend the establishment and maintenance of schools for this form of education and supervise and approve such schools as provided in this chapter. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-3 Day, part-time and evening classes

In order that instruction in the principles and practice may go on together, vocational education schools may offer instruction in day, part-time and evening classes. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-4 Discontinuance of vocational schools

When in the judgment of the state board the management and control, equipment, methods of instruction, attendance of pupils, or per capita cost of maintenance based upon the average daily attendance is so unsatisfactory as to make the continuance of any school established under the provisions of this chapter unwise, the commissioner shall give the board of education having the control and management of the school written notice that the approval of the school has been withdrawn. Any unexpended balance of moneys received from the state for the support of the school at the end of the school year following the withdrawal of the approval shall be returned to the state treasury. L.1967, c.271

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-4.1 Findings, declarations.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Career and technical education programs provide the high-level academic and technical skills needed to prepare students for success in college and the workplace; b. In addition to meeting the State's high school graduation requirements, career and technical education programs provide students with the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials and college credits; c. Career and technical education students often have the opportunity to participate in work-based learning experiences and in regional, State, and national skill competitions; and d. Recognizing the achievements of career and technical education students throughout New Jersey will highlight the importance of career and technical education in addressing the demands of business and industry for highly skilled and trained workers. L.2023, c.47, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-4.2 "Career and Technical Education Scholar Awards" established.

2. a. The Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, shall establish an awards program to be known as the "Career and Technical Education Scholar Awards." The awards program shall annually recognize outstanding career and technical education students who: (1) demonstrate a high level of achievement in a career and technical education program as exemplified by course grades, industry-recognized technical assessments, and teacher recommendations; (2) demonstrate a high level of achievement in at least three academic classes, as exemplified by course grades, end-of-course assessments, and teacher recommendations; (3) successfully complete a college-level course or a work-based learning experience including, but not limited to, employment under a cooperative education agreement, an internship, or a work-based structured learning experience; and (4) participate in a career and technical education student organization or a community service project that demonstrates the application of career and technical skills. b. The department shall establish an application procedure and criteria and guidelines for the eligibility, nomination, and judging of applications for the awards program. c. The department shall post the names of the recipients of the "Career and Technical Education Scholar Awards" prominently on its website, and shall recognize the recipients through the award of a certificate, a press announcement, or another form of recognition deemed appropriate to highlight the achievements of the recipients. The department may coordinate with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in recognizing the award recipients. L.2023, c.47, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-5 Establishment by district or regional boards of education

The board of education of any school district or regional school district may establish and maintain vocational schools. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-6 Approval of location, management and course of study

Before any such school shall be established, the location and rules for the management of the school, the course or courses of study to be pursued therein, and all changes in such courses shall be approved by the commissioner, subject to the advice and consent of the state board. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-7 Receiving pupils from other districts

All such boards of education shall receive pupils from other districts so far as their facilities will permit and shall be entitled to collect and receive from any sending district for the tuition of such pupils a sum not exceeding the actual cost per pupil, as determined according to rules prescribed by the commissioner and approved by the state board. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-8 Raising of moneys by district for buildings and maintenance

Moneys for the purchase of land, the erection, repair, or improvement of buildings, and the purchase of furniture and equipment for the use of any such school, and for the maintenance and support thereof, shall be appropriated and raised in the same manner as the district maintaining the school is authorized to appropriate and raise money for similar purposes for the schools in its public school system. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-9 State aid for schools other than day schools.

18A:54-9. When any such school other than a full-time day school shall have been established, there shall be paid to the board secretary or treasurer of school moneys, as appropriate, of the district maintaining the school on the order of the commissioner, an amount equal to that raised in the district for the establishment of the school, exclusive of the amount appropriated for the purchase of land or the erection of a building, which amount shall be paid by the State treasurer on the warrant of the director of the division of budget and accounting in the department of the treasury. Annually thereafter there shall be paid in like manner an amount equal to the amount appropriated by the district for the current expenses of such schools; but the money contributed by the State for the support and maintenance of any such school shall not exceed in any one year the sum of $10,000.00. amended 2010, c.39, s.32.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-10 Apportionment of sums appropriated

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. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-10.1 Private vocational schools; contracts to provide vocational education courses; qualifications

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 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. L.1977, c. 290, s. 1, eff. Dec. 6, 1977.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-10.2 Rules for qualifications for eligibility to enter contracts

The rules prescribed pursuant to section 1 of this act shall include, but shall not be limited to, teacher qualifications, maximum class size, facilities and safety. L.1977, c. 290, s. 2, eff. Dec. 6, 1977.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-10.3 Inspection of records

Each private vocational school entering into a contract pursuant to section 1 of this act shall make its records available for inspection by the commissioner or his designated representative. L.1977, c. 290, s. 3, eff. Dec. 6, 1977.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-10.4 Contracts; terms; approval

Any contract entered into shall be in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations. The commissioner shall approve in writing all such contracts prior to their execution. L.1977, c. 290, s. 4, eff. Dec. 6, 1977.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-11 County vocational school not to include certain cities

County vocational schools 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 allotment of vocational funds by the commissioner under the regulations of the state board. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-11.1 County vocational school districts, when to include cities

Any county vocational school district 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 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 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 and of such city and its school district, that such county vocational school district shall include the territory within the school district boundaries of such city. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-11.2 County vocational school districts, assumption, etc., of city vocational education system

The board of education of each county vocational school district and the board of education of each city referred to above in section 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 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 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. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-11.3 Transfer of teaching staff members and employees to new district

All principals, teachers and employees of the school district in any city referred to above in section 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 from and after the date of transfer provided for in any agreement entered into pursuant to section 18A:54-11.2, and their rights to tenure, pension and accumulated leave of absence accorded under the laws of the state shall not be affected by the transfer to the county vocational school district. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-12 Establishment by board of chosen freeholders on recommendation of state board

When it has been determined by resolution of the state board that a need exists in any county for county vocational schools, the 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 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 in the county, such schools shall be forthwith established and maintained in the county and shall be known as the "vocational schools in the county of " (here insert the name of the county in which the schools are located). L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-12.1 Establishment of one board of education.

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 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). L.2007, c.222, s.8.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-12.2 Reference to consolidated board.

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, the same shall mean and refer to the consolidated board. L.2007, c.222, s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-13 Establishment by election on request of voters

In any county having a population not exceeding 100,000 inhabitants, there may be established and maintained a vocational school to be known as the "vocational school in the county of " (here insert the name of the county in which the schools are 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 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 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, 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. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-14 Establishment in second-class counties by board of chosen freeholders

In any second-class county of this state in which there does not presently exist a vocational school established under the laws of the state, the board of chosen freeholders of such county may, by a majority vote, establish a vocational school to be known as the "vocational school in the county of " (here insert the name of the county in which the school is to be located). L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-16 Boards of education of county vocational schools.

18A:54-16. For each county system of vocational schools established in accordance with this chapter, there shall be a board of education consisting of the 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). L.1967, c.271; amended 1975, c.357; 1980, c.168; 1981, c.462, s.18; 1987, c.163; 2005, c.299, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-16.8 Counties of third class of 110,000 to 125,000; board of education; members; appointment

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 shall consist of five members to be appointed by the appointing authority of the county. L.1983, c. 396, s. 1, eff. Dec. 21, 1983. Amended by L.1984, c. 8, s. 1, eff. Feb. 22, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-16.9 Third class counties of 70,000 to 105,000; board members; term of office

The board members elected pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1977, c. 30 (C. 18A:54-16.1), for the school year preceding the year in which this act takes effect shall remain in office until their successors are appointed and qualified which shall occur no later than December 31, 1983. In making the first appointments to a board one person shall be appointed to serve for one year, one person for two years, one for three years and two for four years; thereafter, members shall serve for terms of four years. Vacancies in the membership of the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made. L.1983, c. 396, s. 2, eff. Dec. 21, 1983. Amended by L.1984, c. 8, s. 2, eff. Feb. 22, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-16.11 Third class counties of 80,000 to 105,000; board members

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 shall consist of at least five members to be appointed by the appointing authority of the county. L.1984, c. 165, s. 1, eff. Oct. 10, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-16.12 Third class counties of 70,000 to 105,000; board members; successors; terms; vacancies

The board members elected pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1977, c. 30 (C. 18A:54-16.1), for the school year preceding the year in which this act takes effect shall remain in office until their successors are appointed and qualified which shall occur no later than November 1, 1984. In making the first five appointments to a board one person shall be appointed to serve for one year, one person for two years, one for three years and two for four years and the terms of any additional members of the board shall also be staggered to ensure that an approximately equal number of terms expire every year. Thereafter, members shall serve for terms of four years. Vacancies in the membership of the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made. L.1984, c. 165, s. 2, eff. Oct. 10, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-16.14 Appointment of additional board members, county vocational schools, certain.

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 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. L.2005,c.299,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-17 Qualifications of board members

Each member of a board of education for county vocational schools 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. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-18 Organization of boards of education

Each board of education for county vocational schools 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. L.1967, c.271; amended by L.1970, c. 276, s. 1, eff. Dec. 3, 1970.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-19 Board body corporate; name

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 in the county of " (here insert the name of the county in which such school shall be located). L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-20 Powers of board

18A:54-20. The board of education of a county vocational school district 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; 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, 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. L.1967, c.271; amended 1990,c.52,s.72.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-20.1 Enrollment of pupils in county vocational schools, funding

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 shall send to any of the schools of the county vocational school district 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. The board of education shall pay tuition for each of these pupils to the county vocational school district 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 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 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 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 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. 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). L.1990,c.52,s.71; amended 1991,c.62,s.24.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-20.3 Pupil directory information provided to county vocational school district.

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 shall provide, upon the request of that county vocational school district, 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. 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 may request pupil directory information and when the school district or regional school district shall provide the information. L.2013, c.52, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-21 Rules for organization and management of county vocational schools

The state board shall prescribe rules for the organization, management and control of such schools. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-22 Teachers, principals, superintendents, assistant superintendents; directors and assistant directors; rights and privileges

All teachers, principals, directors and assistant directors of boards of education of county vocational schools shall have all rights and privileges of teachers, principals, superintendents and assistant superintendents of schools, respectively, in school districts. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-23.1 Receiving pupils from other counties; county vocational school districts with post secondary vocational-technical education

Every county vocational school district 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. L.1973, c. 333, s. 1, eff. July 1, 1974.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-23.2 Application for issuance of certificate of residence; grant or denial; appeal; hearing; determination

Any person desiring to enroll in a post secondary vocational-technical program in a county vocational school district 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 providing such a program, or (b) the county vocational school district 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 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. L.1973, c. 333, s. 2, eff. July 1, 1974.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-23.3 Certificate of residence; filing; duration

Upon his registration for each school year, the nonresident student shall file with the county vocational school district 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. L.1973, c. 333, s. 3, eff. July 1, 1974.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-23.4 Payments by county of residence for each student

Any county vocational school district 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 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. L.1973, c. 333, s. 4, eff. July 1, 1974.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-23.5 List of nonresident students, courses and programs; notice to department of education

Each county vocational school district board of education shall notify the 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. L.1973, c. 333, s. 5, eff. July 1, 1974.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-24 Approval of courses of study

The courses of study to be pursued in every county vocational school, and all changes therein shall be approved by the commissioner, with the advice and consent of the state board. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-24.1 "Green job" defined, certification program.

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 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 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 shall issue a green jobs certification to each person who successfully completes the training program. c. A county vocational school district may review national standards established by various industries in developing a green jobs certification program. d. A county vocational school district may consult with the Department of Community Affairs in developing a green jobs certification program. L.2011, c.137, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-25 School year

The school year for a county vocational school shall begin on July 1 and end June 30. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-26 Contracts; payment of bills

No contract shall be entered into by the board of education of a county vocational school, 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. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-27 Boards of school estimate

There shall be for each county system of vocational schools a board of school estimate, which shall consist of two members of the board of education of the school, appointed by that board, two members of the board of chosen freeholders of the county in which the school 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 shall be the secretary of the board of school estimate, but shall receive no compensation as such. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-28 Estimate by board of education of general fund expenses

18A:54-28. On or before the fourth Tuesday in March in each year the board of education of a county vocational school district 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 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). L.1967, c.271; amended 1978, c.136, s.18; 1992, c.159, s.21; 1993, c.83, s.24; 1996, c.138, s.80.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-29 Fixing, determining amounts necessary to be raised

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 for the ensuing school year exclusive of the amount to be received from the State as provided in section 18A:54-32. The board of education of the county vocational school district and the board of school estimate shall follow the procedures established in section 5 of P.L.1996, c.138 (C.18A:7F-5). L.1967, c.271; amended 1978, c.136, s.19; 1992, c.159, s.22; 1996, c.138, s.81.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-29.1 Certification of amounts to be raised

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 and the other to the board of chosen freeholders of the county in which the school is situated. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-29.2 Appropriation and raising of amounts required

The board of chosen freeholders shall, upon receipt of the certificate, appropriate, in the same manner as other appropriations are made by it, the amount so certified, and the amount shall be assessed, levied, and collected in the same manner as moneys appropriated for other purposes in the county are assessed, levied, and collected, unless such amount is to be raised as otherwise hereinafter provided in this chapter. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-29.3 County vocational school districts including cities, annual or special appropriations, apportionment

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 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) to be raised for annual or special appropriations for such county vocational school district are to be apportioned on the basis of (1) the apportionment valuations, as defined in section 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 needs of such county and of the municipalities therein and of the costs and expenses of such county vocational school district 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 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, 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 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. 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 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 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 shall require that more than 50% of such basis shall be such apportionment valuations. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-29.4 County tax levy adjusted for establishment of county vocational school

1. Any county which received approval from the State Board of Education, after July 1, 1990, for the establishment of a county vocational school shall, consistent with the practice for existing county vocational schools, 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 board of education. L.1992,c.55,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-30 Contracts for supplies, and construction, alteration and repair of buildings; municipal permits

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 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 and no municipal permit shall be required in connection with the making or performance of any such contract. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-31 Raising of moneys for lands or buildings; bond issued.

18A:54-31. Whenever a board of education of a county vocational school district shall decide that it is necessary to sell bonds to raise money for any capital project, as defined in section 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 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, 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, 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 may transfer the balance remaining unapplied to the general fund of the school district. amended 1968, c.295, s.15; 1993, c.83, s.25; 2015, c.68, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-31.1 Findings, declarations relative to certain programs of a school district.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. The economic prosperity of New Jersey depends on a strong pipeline of workers with the academic, technical, and career readiness skills to fill current and future jobs; b. Expanding access to career and technical education and engaging employers in the development and delivery of technical education are crucial for the State's economic growth and critical strategies for keeping New Jersey competitive in the global economy; c. While almost 32,000 full-time and shared-time students are currently enrolled at New Jersey's county vocational school districts, the demand for a career and technical education exceeds the space available at most schools; d. On a Statewide basis, county vocational school districts receive nearly 2.5 applications for each available space, and in some counties, and for certain programs, the demand is much greater. In 2013, roughly 16,700 students seeking career and technical education programs were not able to be accommodated; e. Given the immediate shortage of space for career and technical education program expansion, employers can play a significant role in helping to meet short-term needs by hosting career and technical education programs in an industry setting and offering work-based learning opportunities for students; f. This type of public-private partnership is a desirable mechanism to address the needed expansion of career and technical education programs and would give students access to equipment and technology that is expensive or difficult to replicate in public school district settings; and g. In order to facilitate this worthwhile partnership, career and technical education programs taught in industry settings should be exempted from certain unnecessarily restrictive State regulations. L.2014, c.75, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-31.2 Career, technical education programs exempt from certain regulations.

2. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law or regulation to the contrary, in the case of a career and technical education program of a school district which has been approved by the Department of Education and is taught at a location other than the school district: (1) The educational facility standards for new construction pursuant to N.J.A.C.6A:26-6.3 shall not apply to the location at which the career and technical education program is taught; (2) The location at which the career and technical education program is taught shall not require approval as a temporary facility pursuant to N.J.A.C.6A:26-8.1; and (3) The long range facilities plan of the school district shall not be required to take into consideration any career and technical education programs taught at a location other than the school district. b. The location at which the career and technical education program is taught shall meet the requirements of the uniform construction code and all applicable health and safety standards. L.2014, c.75, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-33 Establishment of emergency vocational schools; commissions; cost per pupil

In any county of the second class in which there does not presently exist a vocational school established under the laws of this state, the board of chosen freeholders of such county may, by a majority vote of the board, establish a vocational school to be known as the "emergency vocational school 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 as in this act provided, the board of chosen freeholders of the county shall have power to name a commission to supervise said school, to prescribe courses in the emergency vocational schools, 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, 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. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-34 Commissioners; terms; reports; vacancies; residence

The commission charged with the supervision of such school 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. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-35 Duty of commission

The commission shall be charged with the duty of formulating courses in emergency vocational training in aid of national or state defense and to prescribe the length of such courses. L.1967, c.271

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-36 Appropriations for schools

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 authorized to be established. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-37 Municipalities in counties of first class under 700,000; exemption from tax for county vocational school district

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. L.1973, c. 305, s. 1, eff. Dec. 14, 1973. Amended by L.1981, c. 462, s. 20.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-38 Establishment of New Jersey Council of County Vocational Schools

1. There is established a body corporate and politic, with corporate succession, to be known as the New Jersey Council of County Vocational Schools. A county vocational school 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. L.1993,c.302,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-39 Membership of the council

2. The council shall consist of the president of the board of education and the superintendent of each county vocational school 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. L.1993,c.302,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-40 Responsibilities of council

3. The council shall select such officers and make such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the transaction of business. The council may, if it deems necessary, impose and collect dues from council members to defray expenses. The council may also employ such staff as it determines is necessary within the limit of funds available for this purpose. L.1993,c.302,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-41 Powers, duties of council

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. L.1993,c.302,s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-42 Definitions relative to Work and Learn Consortiums.

1. As used in this act: "Guided pathway" means a set map of courses that are clearly identified and aligned with further education and career advancement. A guided pathway shows a student the entire program of study from its beginning to its end. "Program" means a program operated by a Work and Learn Consortium established pursuant to section 2 of this act. "Stackable credentials" means industry-recognized, short-term credentials and certificates that count toward a higher-level certificate or degree so that individuals may advance in employment and training over the course of their careers. "Stop-out point" means a point at which a student may exit a program with an industry-valued credential, with the opportunity to re-enter the program without penalty or loss of progress. L.2019, c.403, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-43 Work and Learn Consortium.

2. a. A county college and a county vocational school district shall enter into a Work and Learn Consortium for the purpose of creating certificate and degree programs that lead to employment in industries in which there is a high demand for qualified employees. The consortium shall work in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the local workforce investment board to address the highest areas of labor demand in New Jersey as identified by the department. b. The purpose of the programs developed by a consortium shall be to: foster collaboration between academic and non-academic entities; provide students with an opportunity to earn stackable credentials that will increase the likelihood of employment in industries of high demand and future growth in the State; develop a guided pathway for students to earn those credentials; and allow enrolled students to choose among multiple program stop-out points. L.2019, c.403, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:54-44 Components of Work and Learn Consortium.

3. A Work and Learn Consortium shall include the following components: a. The county vocational school district shall award the high school diploma, provide training, and award early certificates. b. The county college shall: (1) award certificates and the associate degree; (2) coordinate the program's internship component; (3) develop the guided pathway; (4) provide student advising services and student support services; and (5) award prior learning assessment credits for experience and knowledge acquired while working. c. The local workforce investment board shall: (1) identify business and industries that have a workforce demand; and (2) assist in the recruitment of persons who are unemployed or want to change career. The local workforce investment board shall have a satellite location on the county college campus. d. A Work and Learn Consortium shall work to form partnerships with: (1) four-year public or independent institutions of higher education to provide additional certificates and baccalaureate degrees under the stackable credentials program; (2) the local chamber of commerce in order to identify business and industry partners and to market and promote the consortium; and (3) business and industry in order to identify industry trends and required certifications, credentials, and training, and to provide internships to enrolled students. e. There shall be an advisory board for each Work and Learn Consortium program. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development , the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, and the Department of Education shall provide support to the advisory board, and shall share trend analysis data related to economic growth. L.2019, c.403, s.3.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026