New Bill Aims to Boost Funding for Highlands Region Schools

Proposed legislation would increase state aid to districts like Jefferson facing budget shortfalls

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:35am

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New Jersey Assemblywoman Aura Dunn has introduced a bill, Bill A4770, that would increase state aid to municipalities in the Highlands Region that host watershed lands. This is the third bill Dunn has proposed to help support Highlands schools, including the Jefferson School District which is facing a projected $4.8 million shortfall for the 2026-27 school year.

Why it matters

The Highlands Region is critical for providing clean drinking water to the entire state of New Jersey. This new legislation seeks to ensure that communities protecting these vital water resources also receive adequate funding for their local schools.

The details

Bill A4770 would 'Increase the amounts of aid paid to certain municipalities that host watershed lands' and also 'increase the amount annually appropriated to the "Highlands Protection Fund" from realty transfer fee revenues.' This additional funding is intended to help offset budget shortfalls facing school districts in the Highlands Region, like the $4.8 million deficit projected for the Jefferson School District.

  • The bill was introduced in the New Jersey General Assembly on March 17, 2026.

The players

Aura Dunn

A Republican member of the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 25th legislative district.

Jefferson School District

A school district located in the Highlands Region of New Jersey that is facing a projected $4.8 million budget shortfall for the 2026-27 school year.

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What they’re saying

“Highlands communities protect our clean drinking water for the entire state. The state must finally keep its promise to these towns and schools.”

— Aura Dunn, Assemblywoman

“We can both protect our natural resources and the education of our Highlands students through thoughtful legislation such as the bills I've proposed.”

— Aura Dunn, Assemblywoman

What’s next

The bill will now proceed through the New Jersey legislative process, where it will need to be voted on and approved by both the Assembly and State Senate before being signed into law by the Governor.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the important balance between protecting critical natural resources like the Highlands Region's water supply and ensuring adequate funding for the schools in those communities. If passed, it could provide much-needed relief for districts like Jefferson facing significant budget shortfalls.