The Assembly Education Committee met on March 10, 2025 for the first time under its new Chair, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson. The meeting was wide-ranging and covered a number of important topics. The following bills were advanced:

• A5075, which would establish a “School Supervisor Mentorship Pilot Program” for individuals in their first year in a supervisory role. This legislation was developed with significant input and guidance from NJPSA to address the current gap in New Jersey’s otherwise strong mentorship landscape in public education, and give new supervisors the foundation they need for success. We are grateful to Assemblywoman Swain and Senator Ruiz for their sponsorship and their eagerness to assist us in this effort. NJPSA staff gave testimony (viewable here) in support at this hearing and it advanced with unanimous support. This bill has advanced to Second Reading, and may now be considered by the full Assembly. 
• A3424, which would codify the roles, duties, and professional development of school counselors, and establish a School Counselor Liaison in DOE. The most updated version of this bill includes language that will help elevate and focus the school counseling profession on the skills and knowledge needed to best serve our students’ needs and promote ongoing professional growth. NJPSA staff offered testimony (viewable here) in support of our counselors and these provisions. This bill has been referenced to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration. 
• A4882, which would require DOE to develop cell phone and social media guidance for schools, and require each district to develop its own individual policy. The most recent amendments place responsibility for developing a policy appropriate to each district squarely on the local Boards of Education and give them options to tailor those policies to fit individual district needs. NJPSA staff offered testimony (viewable here) in support of this updated, permissive language. This bill has advanced to Second Reading, and may now be considered by the full Assembly.
• A3865, which would require instruction on cursive. Amendments to this bill narrow the scope of the requirement to grades three through five. Testimony and statements in support cited the learning benefits of handwriting practice, the importance of being able to read documents written in cursive, and the importance of signatures. This bill has advanced to Second Reading, and may now be considered by the full Assembly.
• A3984, which would establish the “Jersey Strong Public Service Scholarship Program” to support educational opportunities for students who are employed in a public service sector experiencing a workforce shortage. The program would be housed in the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, which would be required to work in conjunction with the Department of Labor to develop it. This bill has been referenced to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration. 
• A5038, which would increase the authorized lease duration, as well as lease purchase agreements, that require Commissioner of Education and Local Finance Board approval from 5 to 20 years. Testimony in favor of the bill argued that it will give districts greater flexibility in negotiating better terms to the benefit of the districts and the taxpayers. This bill has advanced to Second Reading, and may now be considered by the full Assembly.

In addition, the Committee heard testimony from the public on the topic of water safety. Several individuals spoke from personal and professional experience about the benefits of water safety education for people of all ages, and the need for more consistent availability and inclusion across curriculums in New Jersey.