Establishes grant program for school districts to develop in-district and collaborative special education programs and services to reduce need to place classified students out-of-district.

This bill (A 809) creates a grant program for New Jersey school districts to develop in-district special education programs, reducing the need to place students with disabilities out-of-district. It directly affects school districts and students requiring special education services by providing start-up funds for program development, including curriculum, staff training, and equipment. Districts must submit proposals detailing how their programs will lower costs associated with out-of-district placements, with grants awarded based on program quality and cost-reduction potential across regional areas. The program requires annual data collection on student outcomes and costs, with a statewide evaluation report due to the legislature within three years.