Jefferson Township Council backs school aid bill tied to Highlands development restrictions

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — The Jefferson Township Council approved a resolution supporting state legislation aimed at providing additional school aid to districts affected by development restrictions in New Jersey’s Highlands region.

The resolution, approved during the council’s May 20 meeting, supports Assembly Bill 4860, which would provide state school aid to qualifying districts located in designated development-restricted areas, including the Highlands Preservation Area and Pinelands Preservation Area.

According to the resolution, township officials said decades of development restrictions tied to the Highlands Act have significantly limited housing and commercial growth in Jefferson Township, contributing to declining tax revenue and financial strain on the local school district.

Officials cited a reported $2.9 million school budget shortfall driven by a 60% reduction in state aid tied to a 29% decline in student enrollment.

The resolution also states that approximately 88 municipalities in New Jersey are subject to Highlands Act restrictions limiting future development.

Township officials specifically thanked Assemblywomen Aura Dunn and Marisa Sweeney for sponsoring the legislation.

Mayor Eric Wilsusen praised the council’s action in a Facebook post following the meeting.

“Thank you to our Township Council for its support of our Jefferson Township Public Schools,” Wilsusen wrote. “This is a community issue, and we all need to get involved!”

Wilsusen also encouraged residents to join the “Highlands Impact Aid Now!” group to stay informed about the legislation and related advocacy efforts.

“The future of our town is at stake!” the mayor wrote.