Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol Birnbohm spoke at the New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Budget Hearing on Tuesday, March 19th at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, NJ. Dr. Birnbohm was joined by two 12th grade students, Samuel Levin and Daniel Leonard, of Cherokee High School.

Due to there being a limited number of speakers allowed at the Budget Hearing and knowing in advance that only one of the two students would be permitted to speak, the two classmates and friends collaborated on their testimony and decided that it would be Levin who would present while Leonard would be there in support.

Dr. Birnbohm and Levin spoke to the devastating effects that a proposed $4.69 million cut in State Funding would have on the LRHSD. This unprecedented reduction in State Aid in one year will inevitably impact programs and staffing.

Dr. Birnbohm was extremely proud of both of the students, “These young men exhibited leadership and courage as they advocated for their peers and our community. Their impassioned plea highlights their love for their teachers and their experiences in various clubs and activities, while at the same time demonstrates what a profound impact losing $4.69 million in State Aid would have on the people and activities they love. Their involvement is a true testament to the power that the voices of our youth can play in shaping the future.”

Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed State Budget calls for decreased funding for 140 school districts across New Jersey. Since 2018-2019, LRHSD has seen yearly decreases in State Funding totaling over $10 million.