Subject: Urgent Request to Host a School Funding Task Force Roundtable in Jefferson Township

Dear New Jersey Department of Education,

I am writing as a concerned community member to advocate for fair, transparent, and comprehensive updates to our state’s school funding approach. Local public schools require a funding model that accounts for unique regional constraints and rising fixed costs.  

We also request the NJDOE consider hosting a Task Force Round Table in Jefferson Township given the significant impact of the current funding structure and unique challenges to districts located in the Highlands region.

I strongly urge the Department of Education and state leadership to address the following priority areas:

1. Host a Task Force Round Table in Jefferson Township: Engage with communities severely impacted by the current funding structure and unique challenges of the Highlands region. Guarantee equitable consideration and support for ALL New Jersey school districts, regardless of region or socioeconomic demographic.

2. Remove Funding Caps: Eliminate caps on formula funding, especially for districts with special circumstances, such as those subject to strict environmental regulations like the Highlands region.

3. Pass Highlands-Specific Legislation: Create targeted state aid legislation for districts where local economic and property tax growth is limited due to unfunded environmental preservation mandates.

Our students, educators, and taxpayers deserve a system that reflects the true cost of operating public schools in every unique region of New Jersey. Thank you for your leadership and consideration of these critical issues.


Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Jefferson Township Parent / Student / Staff Member / Resident]
[Optional: School or Organization]
[Optional: Town, NJ]

Tip: Replace the bracketed text and consider adding 1–2 sentences asking the Task Force to host a roundtable in Jefferson, or sharing how state funding constraints directly affect your child, classroom, or family.