April 29, 2026

On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) Board of Education adopted a $185.7 million General Fund budget for the 2026-2027 school year, representing a 4.11% increase over the previous year. This budget includes an increase in state aid totaling $1,101,830 or 6%.

The 2026–2027 budget reflects a nearly 17% increase in healthcare costs, bringing the two-year total increase to approximately 26%. The District continues to face a deficit in employee healthcare contributions due to the mandated New Jersey Educators Health Plan (Chapter 44). While Chapter 44 was intended to reduce healthcare costs for both districts and employees, its implementation has resulted in significant financial challenges for districts statewide.

Board of Education Finance Chair David Stow emphasized the Board’s continued commitment to fiscal responsibility. According to the New Jersey Department of Education’s Taxpayer’s Guide to Education Spending, LRHSD ranks among the top-performing regional school districts in the state, with one of the lowest ratios of administrators to faculty and students. The District also spends 25% less than the state-mandated regional limit on administrative costs per pupil.

State aid to LRHSD increased to just over $19.4 million this year, marking the first increase in nearly a decade. Despite this increase, state funding represents only 10.48% of the District’s total budget.

“It’s unbelievable that, with the level of tax dollars contributed by our eight communities, our district receives such a small percentage back from the state,” said Stow. “While we appreciate the increase, there is still significant work to be done to ensure fair and equitable funding.”

Stow noted that recent adjustments to the state’s funding formula, such as averaging property and income levels over three years and funding actual special education enrollment, helped prevent potential reductions in aid.

“While these changes represent an improvement, they are not yet permanent,” he said. “We must continue advocating for long-term solutions that strengthen the funding formula and address remaining structural deficiencies in state funding.”

Superintendent of Schools Matthew Webb highlighted the ongoing challenges related to state funding.

“The increase in state funding this year is a step in the right direction, but it falls far short of what is needed to address nearly $9 million in underfunding over the past eight years,” said Webb. “We are grateful to our entire school community for their continued support and advocacy, and we look forward to working with the Commissioner and Governor to deliver a long-overdue update to the school funding formula.”

Despite these challenges, LRHSD continues to demonstrate strong academic outcomes as one of New Jersey’s leading regional school districts, supported by strong community backing and a dedicated staff committed to student success.

With an average graduation rate of 96.3% across its four high schools, the District consistently outperforms state and national averages in Advanced Placement (AP) scores, SAT results, and other college and career readiness benchmarks. Innovation, creativity, and high achievement remain core to LRHSD’s mission.

Budget details, including tax impacts for each sending district, are available on the LRHSD Budget Information webpage. For additional information, contact Business Administrator Kara Huber at 609-268-2000, ext. 556500, or khuber@lrhsd.org.

Lenape Girls Basketball Head Coach Sean McAneny and his team were recognized by the Board of Education for winning the Group 4 State Championship on March 14th. They defeated Westfield High School 52–42 at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, capturing their second Group 4 state title in three years.

Pictured: (front row left to right) Shelby Croly, Y' mani Nazario, Ryleigh Nichols, Olivia Watkins (back row left to right) Samuel Green, Paula Lee, Morgan Croly, Sloane Fedoruk, El-Anita Joe-Samuel, Nicole Moore Samson, Taylor Stryjewski, Kristin Bucci & Sean McAneny

Not pictured: Gioia Passariello, Brooke Ross & Casey Waldorf

• Lenape: 
  • Senior Takeover continues on the Lenape Pride Instagram, now totaling five seniors. These seniors are allowed to post on Instagram for a week each, and talk about their experiences at Lenape, its impact, and their future plans, as well as share some behind the scenes info at Lenape.
  • The senior class finally took on Disney for the duration of 4 days. During the week leading up to the trip, the Class of 2026 ran a Disney-themed spirit week with days such as Monster University and Twin Day. The entire event is surrounded with excitement and pride.
  • Lenape's Junior Dinner Dance was hosted at Adelphia's this year on April 17th. There was a very large turnout from the junior class and everybody was happy to dress up and attend the event that Friday night.
• Cherokee:

  • New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill visited Cherokee to talk about youth online safety and mental health. Students were given the opportunity to have their voices heard, as well as sit in during the Governor’s press conference.

  • Students across the school participated in organizing our Little Chiefs Read Across America. Elementary school students took part in activities like reading, games, arts and crafts, and many more!

  • Cherokee sophomore students danced the night away during their sophomore cotillion which was held at The Mansion on Main Street in Voorhees.

• Shawnee: 

  • The Yellow Ribbon Club and Military Community Club had their first combined fundraiser, raising over $1000. The money raised will go towards the New Jersey Mission of Honor, which buries veterans with no remaining family.

  • The Shawnee Senior Trip was a great success!

  • On April 14th, Kids For a Wish Club held their annual teacher talent show. It was an absolute crowd pleaser and raised $6200 that was donated to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. A special thank you to all of the Shawnee staff which participated.

  • The Sports Medicine classes went to Drexel University’s Cadaver Lab on April 13th for a close-up learning experience of the human body.

• Seneca:

  • On Thursday, April 23rd, Seneca held their annual bingo event and received many donations.

  • The Golden Eagle Pageant was a success – Caitlin Fearon and Justin Mercado were crowned Mr. and Ms. Seneca Golden Eagle.  All of Seneca’s student council members played a huge part in this night being a success!