The Jefferson School District is facing a $4.8 million shortfall that it says doesn’t come from financial mismanagement, but from the state’s repeated funding cuts.

The district has already cut 100 jobs since the new funding formula began back in 2018. It’s closed three schools. Fourth and fifth graders have already moved to the newly named Intermediate School, alongside grades 6-8. Now, pillars of student life are on the chopping block.

“Reducing our extracurricular offerings, eliminating our entire athletics program,” said superintendent Jeanne Howe. “Eliminating courtesy busing, basic skills, gifted and talented programs, some counseling. Increasing class sizes to about 33 in our K-5 classes.”

The state funding formula aims to redistribute aid from overfunded districts to the underfunded,  but it comes at a cost. School officials want to know - if Jefferson’s enrollment has dropped 29%, why has 60% of the funding been cut?

“We were told that our wealth and income factors might have been a component,” Howe said. But she added that the percentage of students on free and reduced lunch has risen to 12%. 

Mayor Eric Wilsusen says the disconnect over “local fair share” is because of the Highlands Act - a 2004 law that protects state resources by restricting development. 88% of the township is in the preservation area, boosting property values but reducing growth. “Just reimburse us in some way for the resources that we’re protecting,” said Wilsusen. “Or, allow us to have smart growth to be able to generate new revenues. It’s the loss of any new ratables, new revenues, that’s hurting."

“My kids don't have a librarian,” said parent Tom Fasano. “I think all the teachers are doing their part to try to make up that gap, but the reality is, sooner or later, the system is going to break.”

“I've received a couple of heartbreaking letters from young students here,” said NJ Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco. “They write to me of their worry about different activities being cut, and they even offer to hold bake sales and turn the money over to the school.”

The district met with legislators and the education commissioner last week and awaits the governor’s budget in March. Tax increases are also on the table.