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Stay Informed

Detailed information about the district’s budget challenges and the impact of New Jersey’s school funding formula has been shared publicly. Community members are encouraged to review the Board of Education budget presentation and stay connected for ongoing updates, community forums, and advocacy resources.

Hear Community Voices Public Budget Forum Video Watch the Budget Presentation Board of Education Meeting Follow on Facebook #Falcons4FairFunding
Direct links: Public Budget Forum Video Budget Presentation Video facebook.com/Falcons4FairFunding

JTPS Financial Crisis:
The Foundation is Shifting

We face a $4.8 MILLION shortfall. Total State Aid reduction: over $45 MILLION.

This is not "Cutting Back" - to close this budget gap is to fundamentally change the educational experience for every Jefferson student.

Contact Officials & Engage Links & Resources

Class Size Overcrowding

 
 
 

Standard vs. Drastic Measures

Toggle the switch below to visualize the impact of drastic measures on student services and instructional ratios.

JTPS Standard (Funded)
Drastic Measures (Projected)

Class Size vs. Ratios

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Standard sizes (22 students) ensure quality instruction, protect test scores, and maintain our reputation of academic excellence.

Student Density Visualizer

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Arts & Opportunity

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JTPS is known for its full music, visual arts, and drama programs, giving our students the options they need to be competitive and well-rounded.

The full K-12 Arts Pathway is secured.

Athletics & Falcon Pride

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Athletics and clubs cultivate 'Falcon Pride,' keep our young people involved, and lead to State Champions and D1 scholarships.

Full stadium attendance and high student engagement.

Athletics & Stadium Experience

 
 
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Community Voices & Student Experiences

These are real stories from Jefferson families, students, staff, and community members about what these programs mean — and what we stand to lose.

“No one can clearly explain why our district continues to lose funding despite doing everything right.”

— Community Member

“These programs support my children every day. Losing them would fundamentally change their education.”

— Jefferson Township Parent

“This funding formula forces families into impossible choices between our children’s education and our livelihoods.”

— Jefferson Township Parent

“School is more than academics. Programs and activities are what keep students motivated, connected, and showing up.”

— JTHS Student

Mandatory Walking Route

 
 
 

The Loss of Courtesy Bussing

The removal of "courtesy bussing" is one of the drastic measures under consideration, placing children — including Kindergarteners — on unsafe routes with high-speed traffic and no sidewalks.

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Hazard: No Safe Passage

Students living within 2.5 miles of school may be required to walk on roads with no sidewalks, poor lighting, and high-speed traffic.

 
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Grades 4–12 Transportation Impact

Reconfiguration requires transporting Grades 4–12 to the Intermediate/High School campus, increasing routing complexity.

 
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Learning Disrupted

Long walks in darkness, rain, or snow result in students arriving exhausted and distressed — conditions that directly interfere with learning.

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Safety Is Not a “Courtesy”

These risks are being considered solely due to external funding constraints — not local choice.

Historical Actions: No Fat Left to Trim

60% vs 29%

State Aid Disparity

State aid reduced by 60% while enrollment has only decreased by 29% (JTPS Testimony, 2024).

3 Closures

Buildings Shuttered

Drummond, Milton, and now Cozy Lake School—a total of three school buildings closed.

100+ Staff Lost

Personnel Reduced

Net reduction of over 100 staff positions since 2019 across all roles.

The Cause: A Structural Deficit Unrelated to Mismanagement

Employee Benefits

$2,628,700

Projected increase in state-level premium rates.

Contractual Salaries

$1,309,000

Increase reflecting negotiated 3.4% payroll increase.

Inflation & Other Costs

$891,800

Estimated 7% increase on essential goods, utilities, and services.

“…Normally districts in this situation are mismanaged and they don’t know it’s coming, and by the time they have their state monitor it’s way too late.”

“…You [the Board of Education] have tried everything possible to not be in this situation; it’s just not possible to balance the budget at this point.”

“…The management of the finances has been excellent; it just is a math equation that does not balance.”

— An excerpt from the annual Audit Presentation given by Ray Sarinelli, Jr., Lead Audit Partner, Nisivoccia LLP during the November 17, 2025 Public Meeting

We Need Your Voice: Take Action Now.

The Board needs your voice as we navigate this decision. Protect the Falcon Family identity, protect our property values, and protect the opportunities our students need to succeed.

Hear Community Voices

Watch the Public Budget Forum and hear how this budget crisis affects everyone in our community.

WATCH: Public Budget Forum

Contact State Officials

Demand fair funding and protection for JTPS. Use the hashtag #Falcons4FairFunding on all social platforms.

Contact State Officials

NEWS & UPDATES

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