5. There is hereby established within the Department of Education a School Climate State Coordinator to serve as a resource to parents, students, and educators. The duties and responsibilities of the State coordinator shall include:

a. Identifying and disseminating research and resources, including professional development resources, to promote best practices in student social-emotional learning and the development of a positive, supportive school climate in New Jersey schools;

b. Providing information regarding the provisions and procedures of the “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act,” P.L.2002, c.83 (C. 18A:37-13 et seq.), and regulations promulgated thereto, relevant provisions of the “Law Against Discrimination,” P.L.1945, c.169 (C. 10:5-1 et seq.), and other State and federal laws addressing harassment, intimidation, and bullying;

c. Reviewing and reporting data collected on harassment, intimidation and bullying pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1982, c.163 (C. 18A:17-46) to identify and report to the Department of Education any patterns of harassment, intimidation, or bullying in public schools. The department shall review the information provided by the State coordinator to develop guidance and strategies for public schools, parents, school staff, and other agencies, as appropriate;

d. Assisting the Department of Education in creating public information programs that educate parents, educators, and the public concerning the duties of the State coordinator, the issue of harassment, intimidation, and bullying, and the resources available to address and prevent harassment, intimidation, and bullying;

e. Working collaboratively with law enforcement, the Department of Education, the Division on Civil Rights in the Department of Law and Public Safety, and the Department of Health to develop a training program on the impact of harassment, intimidation, and bullying on students and schools, that will be available for school districts to use in local anti-bullying programs and intervention plans;

f. Working collaboratively with law enforcement, including organizations representing school resource officers, to develop resources and training for law enforcement concerning the impact of harassment, intimidation, and bullying on students and schools, and the appropriate role of law enforcement in such matters pursuant to the Uniform Memorandum of Agreement Between Education and Law Enforcement Officials; and

g. Annually providing to the Commissioner of Education, the State Board of Education, and pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C. 52:14-19.1) the Legislature, a report summarizing the activities of the State coordinator, and any specific recommendations concerning school climate best practices and procedures.

L. 2021, c.338, s.5.