JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. — Aura Dunn applauded the Jefferson Township High School student body for an impressive show of civic engagement during a recent letter-writing campaign advocating for fair school funding.

Approximately 250 students participated in the event, coming together to voice their concerns about the financial challenges facing their schools and the broader community. The campaign focused on the long-standing funding inequities tied to the Highlands Act, which has limited Jefferson Township’s ability to grow its tax base while still requiring the community to meet rising educational costs.

“We deserve fairness as a result of the Highlands Act’s impact on our community—and especially our schools,” Dunn said, emphasizing the importance of student involvement in shaping public policy and ensuring that Trenton hears directly from those affected.

The event was organized by Vice Principal Jason Kalish, with support from Tom Fasano and Sara Fasano, whose efforts helped mobilize students and provide them with a platform to advocate for their future. Dunn also thanked all those who attended and took the time to write letters calling for meaningful action on school funding.

Community members are encouraged to stay involved and continue advocating for equitable resources for Jefferson Township schools.

Dear Editor:

This letter was submitted to Jefferson Focus by resident Christian E. Barranco. Mr. Barranco sent the letter via certified mail to the Mayor and all Council members; however, to date, none of the issues raised have been addressed publicly or in response to Mr. Barranco.

Dear Administration,

I write to you today as a property taxpayer and resident of Jefferson Township. I would like to shine a light on a Township business practice that has come to my attention.

Per Local Public Contracts Law Regulation Manual, Subchapter 8, 5:34-8.3(f), Notes 1 thru 4. This regulation controls the rules as applies to aggregation which means the continued procurement by a municipality or “local authority” from a single repeat vendor. This is concerning the bid threshold as established by “Appendix A” of the regulation. This law was created so that an elected body of Councilmembers can oversee the spending patterns of their local government’s administration. If and when an aggregate spending stream exceeds the established bid threshold the township administration needs to produce a resolution to be adopted by the Council to give permission to spend an aggregate amount to a repeat vendor before the procurement is to be made.

Over the course of the last 7 years, our Township administration has produced (8) large, intermittent, round-numbered resolutions to the exact same vendor, Atlantic Communications:

#18-142 – $300,000
#19-58 – $150,000
#20-62 – $150,000
#22-55 – $150,000
#23-92 – $150,000
#23-292 – $60,000
#24-80 – $240,000
#25-266 – $240,000

Totaling $1,440,000 which now cannot be traced to any Purchase Order template nor are we the taxpayers able to reconcile these monies to any specific items or services except to know that they were spent at Atlantic Communications.

The purpose of adopting resolutions made to be approved by the Council for aggregate expenses above the Appendix A bid threshold is so that we can know down to the penny the specific purpose for the aggregate purchase and the itemized costs of each item and/or service procured. Also, the round nature of the resolution amounts would lead one to believe that the administration is, in fact, attempting to absolve itself of exceeding the bid threshold before Council has the legal opportunity to oversee and approve the aggregate expense.

Either way what I am attempting to convey here is a rational need to be able to keep a real accounting of our public treasury. In my experience with other municipalities, Council resolutions created to authorize aggregate expenses are very concise much like the one produced by this administration in 2024. #24-256 in the amount of $231,262.93 which was adopted by Council for the procurement of the Zetron 911 call answering system.

This is an example of a properly executed, accountable Resolution that can be reconciled by taxpayers. This process is necessary for the image of transparency for us to be certain of what our administration is doing with our public treasury.

Christian E. Barranco

Editors Note: Jefferson Focus publishes all verified letters to the editor and notes that these submissions do not represent the publication’s opinions or factual reporting. Letters to the editor are written by readers to share opinions, commentary, or feedback on issues of public interest. They provide a forum for community discussion and differing viewpoints. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or content of any letter to the editor or press release. Letters to the Editor can be submitted to Jefferson Focus by clicking here.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Student Council at Jefferson Township Intermediate School (JTIS) recently organized a cereal food drive to help restock the New Hope Food Pantry, combining community service with creativity and student engagement.

As part of the effort, sixth-grade GATEways students, along with several fourth-grade Student Council members, constructed a cereal box domino reaction that served as a fun and memorable highlight of the drive. The chain reaction was officially kicked off by Trixie, drawing excitement from students and staff alike.

In addition to planning the drive, sixth-grade Student Council members played a hands-on role by assisting with loading and transporting all of the donated cereal to the food pantry.

On behalf of the New Hope Food Pantry, organizers expressed sincere gratitude for the generosity and continued support shown by the JTIS community and its schools, noting that student-led initiatives like this make a meaningful difference for local families in need.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Diversified Properties has launched construction on a 75-unit apartment building at Jefferson Place, marking the second—and largest—phase of the residential community near Lake Hopatcong.

Located at 9 Hellers Lane, the new building will feature a mix of upscale one- and two-bedroom rentals, along with expanded amenities designed to elevate daily living. Planned features include a fully equipped fitness center, a resident lounge tailored for work-from-home needs, a high-end golf simulator, underground parking, and multiple outdoor gathering spaces that complement the area’s natural surroundings.

The start of Phase II follows strong leasing momentum at the initial 32-unit building, which has reached the 50 percent leasing milestone ahead of schedule. Monthly rents at Jefferson Place begin at $2,400.

“Jefferson Place has been incredibly well received, and reaching the 50 percent leasing milestone so early validates both the design and vision behind this community,” said Nicholas Minoia, managing member of Diversified Properties. “As we begin Phase II, we’re excited to build upon that momentum by introducing additional residences and amenities that enhance daily living while maintaining the high standards that define Jefferson Place.”

Residents benefit from close proximity to Morris County Park System, offering access to hundreds of acres of open space, as well as convenient access to Route 15. The community is adjacent to QuickChek and located just minutes from mass transit options, adding to its appeal for commuters and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

LAKE HOPATCONG — SUNY Cortland has announced its Fall 2025 Dean’s List, recognizing students who achieved academic excellence during the semester. Among those honored was Kaylee Hughen of Lake Hopatcong, who earned Dean’s List recognition for her studies in Biology.

The Dean’s List represents the highest academic distinction for undergraduate students at SUNY Cortland. To qualify, students must earn a minimum 3.3 grade point average for the semester. Each of the university’s three schools—the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Professional Studies, and the School of Education—publishes its own Dean’s List.

Hughen’s achievement reflects her dedication, strong work ethic, and commitment to academic success. SUNY Cortland is widely regarded as one of New York’s top public universities, offering nearly 70 undergraduate majors and a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and student engagement.

Located in central New York, SUNY Cortland has been providing high-quality education since 1868, preparing students to turn academic achievement into meaningful careers. Hughen’s recognition brings pride to the Lake Hopatcong community and highlights the accomplishments of local students pursuing higher education.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Emergency Preparedness Handbook provides residents with clear, practical guidance on how to prepare for emergencies before they occur. Created by the Township’s Office of Emergency Management, the guide stresses the importance of personal readiness, noting that emergency services can be overwhelmed during major incidents.

It outlines how to build an emergency supply kit, protect important documents, and stay informed through emergency alerts.

The handbook also covers sheltering in place, evacuations, severe weather, power outages, pandemics, and planning for pets and residents with special needs.

Overall, it encourages residents to be proactive, informed, and prepared to protect their families and community.

Click here to download the guide.