Clarifies prohibition of nepotism by school officials; requires school officials to disclose information concerning certain employment; allocates School Ethics Commission in but not of DOE and authorizes appointment of certain staff.

This bill clarifies and strengthens ethics rules for school officials in New Jersey. It requires school officials to annually disclose if relatives (including extended family members and domestic partners) work for or contract with their school district. The bill also clarifies that the School Ethics Commission, which oversees these ethics rules, operates within but independently of the Department of Education. The Commission is authorized to appoint qualified staff, including an executive director, to carry out its duties. The bill directly affects school officials, school districts, and the School Ethics Commission by strengthening transparency requirements and clarifying the Commission's structure.