During a brief public meeting, the Ocean Gate Board of Education unanimously approved a five-year, renewable agreement with the Berkeley Township School District that will allow Ocean Gate students to attend Berkeley schools beginning next fall.

New Jersey will require cursive instruction in grades three through five under a new state law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy. Supporters say it helps students read historical documents and build literacy skills.

A newly uncovered $15 million budget gap has pushed the Hackensack School District into a financial crisis that could force major cuts. Current board members blame past leadership for the shortfall, a claim former officials dispute.

A bill to create a web portal for all certified teachers and substitutes seeking jobs passed the state Senate last week. The measure is designed to help address the teacher shortage.

Jonathan Ponds served as superintendent of Montclair Public Schools for the last four years. The Essex County school district announced in May that Ponds' contract had been extended another five years so he would serve until at least 2029 after several years of leadership changes in Montclair schools.

The school districts would have to prove they raised as much money as they could through local taxes and not cut employees since last year, the legislation says.

Some substitute teachers in an Essex County school district are now getting $200 per day to fill in overseeing classes.

Livingston schools will dismiss hours before the eclipse so students are not tempted to look directly at the sun without protective eyewear during their usual dismissal time, the superintendent said.