TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Patrick Diegnan and Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz that requires the Commissioner of Education to annually recommend the dates on which a school district could close its schools for spring break was signed into law yesterday by Governor Mikie Sherrill.

“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 new law, S-170, school districts that decide to schedule a spring break will be required to consider the commissioner's recommendation when scheduling.

“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.”

To assist school districts in developing their school calendars, the commissioner must inform them of the recommended spring break dates no later than June 30th of the prior school year. 

The law will take effect in the first full school year following enactment.