October 20, 2026 Newsletter

We've been talking about a Special Question that will be put to voters on Dec. 8, 2026. The $7.8 million proposal that will be on the Dec. 8 ballot would give the community an opportunity to invest in the district to build a stronger financial future - WITHOUT RAISING TAXES.

We encourage you to look at the information we have put together on our Dec. 8 Special Question Vote website which includes WHY we are proposing this, HOW this would impact our community, and WHAT questions we have been receiving (and their answers).

The $7.8 million proposal would allow the Jackson School District to:

• Continue funding the meaningful and robust educational, athletic and extracurricular experiences our students deserve.

• Increase the operating budget by $7.8 million, greatly limiting reliance on property-sale proceeds to balance future budgets and returning Jackson to tax levy stability (e.g. go back to living within the 2% tax levy cap).

• Repay the remaining $4.2 million State Aid advance, also known as a loan, restoring $600,000 annually in State Aid to the district.

• Eliminate the State Fiscal Monitor and the associated $200,000 budgeted annual salary.

FYI:

Those last two bullets together - restoring that State Aid and thereby eliminating the monitor - would bring $800,000 annually back into our district budget to benefit students.

As we continue sharing information, we wanted to share questions we are hearing in our community, because you may be wondering about the same things.

• What happened to the money from the school sales?
• What happens if it passes or fails?
• How does this affect students and staff?
• If you are asking voters to decide on a $7.8 million proposal, how can it be tax-neutral and not raise taxes?

The answers to these questions, and more, are available on our FAQ Page.

If you have questions, please ask! Your questions are welcome, and we are happy to help you find the information you need to make an informed decision. See various ways below.

• Wednesday, Nov. 18th Regular Board Meeting - 6:30 p.m. @JTMS
• Email us at Dec8vote@jacksonsd.org
• See the FAQ page

It's not that long, and it provides information, context and details that are important.

As questions and suggestions come in, we keep refining our information. Check out the most recent version of our flyer, and feel free to share!

Our Voting Page has all the information you need to see if you are registered, register, apply to vote by mail if you wish, and key deadlines.

This imaginative, funny adventure tells the story of how a young orphan becomes the legendary Peter Pan. Alongside Molly, a brave young Starcatcher-in-training, he encounters pirates, mysterious treasure and magical “starstuff” on a journey filled with friendship and unexpected heroes.

Our talented, hardworking students are putting their creativity, energy and countless hours of preparation into bringing this production to life. Come celebrate their dedication both onstage and behind the scenes. Tickets are on sale now at https://jtown.ludus.com

You can view the text version linked below, or check out the video, which provides great context and detail about the information being presented. The presentation includes information about our graduation rate, student engagement and other measures that help us assess how we are supporting students and where we need to focus our efforts.

We encourage parents and guardians to review the text version linked below, or watch the video of the presentation, which offers additional context and detail about our progress, challenges and priorities. Both provide an opportunity to better understand the work underway to support our students and strengthen our schools.

• TEXT VERSION
• VIDEO VERSION from Oct. 14 BOE Meeting

Did you know that our Board of Education meetings include direct reports from our student board representatives? This year our Student Board Representatives are Sophia Castillo and Noah Bravo de Rueda, who again delivered a thoughtful, informative report at our recent Board of Education meeting, offering a student perspective on life at Jackson Township High School.

The Student Council co-presidents highlighted school spirit at the pep rally and homecoming, athletic achievements, marching band honors and preparations for "Peter and the Starcatcher" play. They shared impressive athletic accomplishments, celebrated Senior Night tributes across sports and activities, and recognized student ambassadors representing Jackson at the Shore Conference kickoff. They also celebrated students’ service to others—from Key Club activities with senior citizens and the school blood drive to Science National Honor Society members leading hands-on STEM activities with third graders.

We are proud of Sophia and Noah for the care and professionalism they bring to representing their classmates. Their input gives the Board and district leadership valuable insight into students’ experiences, while recognizing the people and opportunities that make our school community strong.

Check out their report at the Oct. 14 BOE Meeting!

Regular school attendance is one of the most important factors contributing to student achievement. Each day in the classroom provides opportunities for students to build knowledge, develop essential skills, engage in meaningful discussions, and strengthen connections with their teachers and peers. When students attend school consistently, they are better positioned to succeed academically and socially.

Research consistently demonstrates a strong relationship between school attendance and academic performance. Students who miss school frequently are more likely to experience gaps in learning, lower academic achievement, and difficulty keeping pace with classroom instruction. Even when students complete missed assignments, they cannot always replicate the collaborative learning, classroom discussions, and direct instruction that occur during the school day.

Families play an essential role in promoting strong attendance habits. Encouraging students to arrive at school on time, scheduling appointments outside school hours when possible, and communicating with school staff when attendance challenges arise can make a meaningful difference.

Every school day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. By working together, families and schools can help ensure that every student is present, engaged, and prepared to reach their full potential.

REMINDER: You must log in to the Parent Portal to fill out your back to school forms!

These are important forms to ensure we have the proper emergency and health information.

It is vital that all parent and guardian contact information is accurate and up to date. Please visit the CONTACTS section of the portal to review the phone numbers and email addresses currently on file for your student.

• Grades PreK-6 - Call the Front Office
• Grades 7-12 - Call the Guidance Office

2026-2027 Free and Reduced Meal Applications (which also qualify you for Summer EBT Benefits) are available now on our sites. YOU MUST APPLY EVERY YEAR. You can apply on paper or online through the Payschools app or site. See Free Meal Application page for:

• Videos to help
• Step-by-step instructions

Think you don't qualify? You May!

Income limits have changed and many more families are eligible. For example, a family of four with an annual income of $73,920 or less would qualify.

Don't Eat School Lunch? Still Apply!

If eligible, you may qualify for other benefits, discounts or grants, and you would automatically be enrolled in the Summer EBT program that provides funds for food for your children in summer.

Don't Think it Matters? It Does!

The district receives additional funding based on the number of eligible students and those funds support ALL students.

FYI: In case you miss one, this and previous messages will be archived on our Superintendent's Messages Page.