Gov. Sherrill signs bill encouraging New Jersey school districts to coordinate spring break schedules
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey school districts will be encouraged to better align their spring break schedules under legislation signed into law by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
The new law, sponsored by Sen. Patrick Diegnan, D-Middlesex, and Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex/Hudson, requires the state commissioner of education to annually recommend dates on which school districts could schedule spring break.
School districts that choose to schedule a spring break will be required to consider the commissioner’s recommendation when developing their academic calendars.
“In a state that has more school districts than municipalities, we often see that neighboring districts have vastly different spring break schedules, which makes it difficult to coordinate childcare or family trips,” said Senator Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “This legislation takes a practical, commonsense approach to helping New Jersey families and educators navigate conflicting spring break schedules across school districts.”
Under the law, the commissioner of education must provide the recommended spring break dates to school districts by June 30 preceding the applicable school year to assist them in preparing their academic calendars.
“Teachers and families are often negatively impacted by spring break schedules that vary from district to district. Many teachers work and live in different towns, and some families have children attending different schools, making it unlikely that their spring break aligns,” said Majority Leader Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). “Our educators and families deserve to spend their break making memories with their loved ones—this bill paves the way for the increase in predictability they need.”
The law will take effect beginning with the first full school year following its enactment.
