One at One: Aide in Lieu Payments

Today’s Issue:

Can districts pro-rate 2020-21 aide in lieu of transportation payments (“AIL payments”) to account for periods of remote instruction during which parents/guardians did not transport their children to school?

Answer:

Yes, a district can pro-rate AIL payments to account for periods of remote instruction. In 2020-21, the maximum AIL payment per student is $1,000. To pro-rate a payment, determine the percentage of in-person instruction days (number of in-person instruction days divided by 180) and multiply that number by the maximum AIL payment ($1,000).

For example, if only 135 school days were in-person, the calculation is: 135 divided by 180, multiplied by $1,000, which equals an AIL payment of $750.

If a school is remote for the entire school year or a parent/guardian opts for remote instruction for the entire school year, the AIL payment will be $0.

Resources:

N.J.S.A. 18A:39-1

N.J.A.C. 6A:27-2.1, N.J.A.C. 6A:27-3.4

https://www.state.nj.us/education/broadcasts/2020/dec/9/Guidance%20Regarding%20Aid-in-Lieu%20of%20Transportation%20Payments.pdf

https://www.nj.gov/education/code/current/title6a/Notice%20of%20Rule%20Modification%20N.J.A.C.%206A_27%20revised.pdf

To Learn More about FPSCTT’s Education and School Law Practice, please contact:

Lester Taylor, Partner and Co-Chair

Christine Soto, Partner and Co-Chair

Afshan Ajmiri Giner, Partner

Caitlin Pletcher, Partner

This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.