The Jefferson Township Board of Education has introduced a $69 million budget for the 2026-27 school year with a deficit of $2.9 million. The district's superintendent, Jeanne Howe, stated that presenting a deficit budget puts them in "uncharted territory" and risks having the district under state-appointed monitor or auditor. The potential budget cuts could harm students or triple the state's 2% annual tax increase cap. Budget-balancing cuts such as eliminating athletics and other after-school activities, and cutting library services and courtesy busing were rejected by the board and Howe. Despite an increase of about $300,000, Jefferson was recently awarded an additional 6% - far below what they would need to balance the new budget without making drastic cuts. Local legislators have introduced bills to grant more aid to Jefferson, including a bill introducing $48 million for operational aid to the operational aid.