Writings by Carolyn R. Chaudry

On July 1, 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation providing health benefits contribution relief to New Jersey educators… On July 1, 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation providing health benefits contribution relief to New Jersey educators. The new law will reduce the cost of health insurance for school employees while also lowering costs for school districts and […]

New Jersey school districts now have three options for holding graduation ceremonies New Jersey school districts now have three options for holding graduation ceremonies amid the COVID-19 pandemic: virtual ceremonies, drive-in/drive-through ceremonies, and modified in-person, outdoor ceremonies. Both drive-in/drive-through and modified in-person, outdoor ceremonies must comply with strict requirements designed to protect the health and […]

On April 23, 2020, Federal Relief was made available to New Jersey School Districts… On April 23, 2020, U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos announced New Jersey’s allocation of funds as relief approved through the CARES Act P.L. No. 116-136 and the Elementary and Secondary School Education Relief Fund (ESSER Fund).  New Jersey was allocated a […]

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3904 permits the use of virtual instruction to meet 180-day minimum school year requirement and requires all employees be paid as if school is open New Jersey Assembly Bill A3904, permitting the use of virtual or remote instruction to meet the minimum 180 day school year requirement upon Commissioner approval of […]

The NJ State Senate legislative coronavirus information package includes one new senate bill and also important School District Health Benefits Bill Emergency bills to assist public employers and school districts passed the Senate yesterday and are currently awaiting approval by Governor Murphy. Below is a brief summary of some of the bills. A3850 – This bill […]

The New Jersey Department of Labor Issued Guidance on COVID-19 and Benefits Employees May Access Under Different Scenarios During these uncertain times public employers are asking how to respond to employees’ requests for information as to their job security, benefits and whether they will be paid should school district’s remain on a virtual education model […]

The Federal Government Passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act The Federal Government passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, HR6201 on March 18th, 2020. This legislation will allow for free screenings, two weeks of paid sick leave for State government workers and private companies with fewer than 500 employees to either quarantine or seek […]