JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Board of Education approved its preliminary budget for the 2026-2027 school year on March 23, taking what officials described as a difficult but necessary step as the district continues to grapple with a major funding shortfall.
After receiving actual State and Preschool Aid figures, making cuts considered least harmful to students, and reviewing all other expenditures, the district reduced its projected deficit from $4.8 million to $2.9 million.
District officials said the budget gap is being driven largely by a loss of $1,166,583 in state aid and nearly $2.9 million in increased healthcare costs.
To respond to the shortfall, the Board approved a three-part strategy aimed at closing the gap while avoiding the most severe cuts to student programs.
The preliminary budget includes a 2 percent tax levy increase, which officials estimate will cost the average homeowner about $18.66 per month, or $223.92 annually.
It also includes what district leaders called “distasteful” budget cuts totaling about $403,000. Those reductions include staffing adjustments based on enrollment, as well as cuts to travel, professional development, and instructional technology. Officials said the reductions were made reluctantly and with an effort to minimize the impact on students.
In addition, the district will submit an unbalanced budget with a $2.9 million deficit to the New Jersey Department of Education, reflecting what school officials say is the financial reality facing Jefferson Township.
According to the district, this strategy avoids far more damaging reductions that were considered but ultimately not recommended, including eliminating basic skills instruction for students needing academic intervention in math and language arts, athletics, after-school programs, and courtesy busing.
As part of its continued advocacy efforts, district leadership is participating in a series of upcoming state budget hearings in an effort to push for additional support.
On March 24, district officials planned to provide virtual testimony before the Senate Budget Committee. On March 25, student leaders and district representatives were scheduled to travel to Trenton to testify before the Assembly Budget Committee. District representatives were also set to testify in person before the Senate Budget Committee on March 30.
The Board of Education is scheduled to adopt its final budget on April 27, 2026.
School officials noted that the preliminary budget could still be adjusted if new information becomes available before that date. However, the state is not expected to approve its budget for the coming fiscal year until the end of June or later. Any changes in the state budget related to PK-12 education funding could affect Jefferson Township’s final financial plan for 2026-2027.
