JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A critical opportunity is approaching for residents to make their voices heard on school funding, as the New Jersey State Board of Education prepares to host one of its three annual Open Topic Public Testimony sessions. Local officials and families are urging strong community participation to highlight Jefferson Township’s ongoing financial challenges and the impact of state policies.This is a critical moment for Jefferson Township. YOUR VOICE. THEIR FUTURE ongoing financial challenges and the impact of state policies.
Jefferson Township Families – This is a Massive Opportunity
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the NJ State Board of Education is holding one of its three annual Open Topic Public Testimony sessions.
This is one of our strongest chances to put Jefferson’s $4.8 million deficit and the unfair impact of the Highlands Act on the official record.
How You Can Help:
1. Testify in Person (Trenton)
When: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Where: 100 Riverview Plaza, Trenton, NJ (First Floor Conference Room)
Register by: Thursday, April 30 at Noon
Call: 609-376-9071 or click here.
Registered speakers will have 5 minutes to speak and should bring 6 hard copies of their testimony.
2. Testify by Email or Mail (samples in the comments)
Can’t attend in person? Written testimony is still official and counts.
Email: [email protected]
Mail:
New Jersey Department of Education
State Board Office
P.O. Box 500
Trenton, NJ 08625-0500
Subject Line: Public Testimony – May 6 Open Topic – Jefferson Township Funding Crisis
Suggested Talking Points (Keep to 3–5 minutes):
- Jefferson protects clean drinking water for millions of New Jersey residents under the Highlands Act.
- Because of strict development restrictions, our local tax base cannot grow, yet the S2 funding formula continues to penalize us by cutting state aid.
- We have already lost approximately $45 million in cumulative state aid and are now facing a $4.8 million shortfall this year.
- Middle school sports have already been eliminated from the school and shifted entirely to rec leagues. High school sports and extracurricular activities are now at risk of being cut.
- These programs are essential, not “extra.” They teach responsibility, teamwork, discipline, and provide critical mental health support.
- We are respectfully asking the State Board to recognize how this formula is harming our students and to recommend adjustments that address this inequity in the Highlands Region.
Top Tips:
- Prepare bullet points so you can look up and make eye contact.
- Wear Royal Blue and Gold — even if you’re not speaking, your presence sends a strong message.
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early for security screening.
A Note on the Numbers for Transparency:
Jefferson was originally facing a $4.8 million budget shortfall for the 2026-27 school year. In March, the Board of Education made additional painful cuts and approved a 2% tax increase. These steps reduced the remaining gap to approximately $2.9 million.
Even after these difficult reductions, the district remains short — which is why officials continue to advocate for the full $4.8 million in emergency supplemental aid through A4456. This funding is needed to stabilize schools and prevent further cuts to high school sports and extracurricular programs.
Let’s make sure our voices are heard loud and clear. Every testimony helps.
Carpooling arrangements are being organized in the comments for registered speakers.
#falcons4fairfunding
#highlandsimpactaidnow
