Requires board of education to award certain transportation contracts to most appropriate bidder; requires board of education to hold transportation meeting prior to awarding certain transportation contracts for students with disabilities.

This bill requires New Jersey school boards to award transportation contracts for students with disabilities to the "most appropriate" bidder - not necessarily the lowest-priced one - based on factors including price, the outcome of a required meeting, and the bidder's ability to meet the student's specific needs. It directly affects school boards, transportation vendors, and students with disabilities who require specialized transportation under their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The key provision mandates a pre-award meeting involving parents, vendors, the student's case manager, and school representatives to discuss transportation needs and ensure the vendor can provide adequate service. This changes current law, which typically requires awarding contracts to the lowest responsible bidder, by prioritizing student needs through stakeholder input before contracting.