MOORESTOWN – State Senator Troy Singleton announced that he has secured $1 million for the Lenape Regional High School District to help fund infrastructure improvements to Lenape High School. Senator Singleton made the announcement virtually at the monthly Board of Education Meeting held last night.

The funds, which stem from federal COVID relief allotted to states through the American Rescue Plan Act, are planned to be used for upgrades to the high school’s fire detection system, HVAC system, as well as partial roof replacement for the benefit of the school’s approximately 2,000 Mount Laurel students and faculty.

This funding announcement comes in the wake of reductions in state aid to the school district for the 2024-2025 school year. Although over $2.5 million in state aid was restored thanks to legislative action, the district remains squeezed by budget concerns and rising costs.

“This funding will ensure that necessary infrastructure improvements at Lenape High School are completed and that this building will remain as safe as possible for both the students who learn there and the teachers that teach there,” said Senator Singleton. “I am proud to have secured this funding on behalf of the Lenape Regional High School District and appreciate Dr. Birnbohm’s advocacy.”

“We are deeply grateful for this $1 million grant and for Senator Singleton’s steadfast support of our school district. His commitment to understanding the challenges we face and his proactive efforts to improve school funding have made a significant difference for many years. We are fortunate to benefit from his leadership, which continues to drive positive change for our students and the entire school community,” said Birnbohm.

This portion of Lenape High School’s roof dates back to 1965, when the facility was originally constructed, and over six decades of wear-and-tear has now necessitated replacement. Voters previously approved a bond referendum for roof repairs, but rising costs and the necessity to additionally replace the HVAC system have increased the estimated cost of the project.

The fire detection system utilized by Lenape High School detects both smoke and heat across the 330,000 square foot facility, and allows emergency personnel to pinpoint potential fire events in the building to respond as rapidly as possible. The district plans to replace the aging devices utilized in the system with this funding as well.

With the additional $1 million in Funding, the Lenape Regional High School District will be able to put these projects out to bid with work on both anticipated to begin during the summer of 2025 to avoid disruptions to classes during the school year.