LUMBERTON TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON APPOINTMENT OF SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER TO LUMBERTON TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR

LUMBERTON, NJ – Lumberton Township remains dedicated to working with the School District to ensure that the services of a School Resource Officer continue to be provided to the School District for the 2024-2025 school year.  In light of the continued steep decline in State aid to Lumberton schools, and the resulting severe cuts anticipated in the district’s budget, the Township Committee is pleased to announce that we are working to finalize an agreement with the district that will enable the Township to fund the salary of the current School Resource Officer through the next school year, with the expectation that this agreement will be approved at the next Township Committee meeting on June 6th.

Lumberton Township Committee shares the sentiments of Lumberton Police Chief Anthony D. Nippins, who issued the following comment:

“Our commitment to the safety and well-being of our students and District staff remains unwavering. While we understand the financial constraints faced by the school, ensuring the presence of a school resource officer is paramount, the Lumberton Township Police Department and Lumberton Township Committee are actively exploring alternative funding sources to support this crucial partnership in maintaining a secure learning environment for our community.”

While the Township Committee welcomes the opportunity to work with and support our schools in any way we feasibly can, we nevertheless call on our representatives in Trenton to find solutions that will provide fair funding to all schools and assist in stabilizing school budgets. The Township hopes the State can do better in funding for the schools so that crucial aspects of our students’ education and safety can be properly maintained in the budget moving forward.

 Mayor Terrance Benson

Deputy Mayor Kendra Hatfield

Committeewoman Lori Faye

Committeewoman Gina LaPlaca

Committeeman Robert Rodriguez

Press Release – SRO – Lumberton Township