Former State Senator Ray Lesniak recently wrote an opinion piece about the lack of state funding for recovery high schools. Lesniak sponsored the legislation that initiated the opening of recovery high schools more than 10 years ago, and he is now calling for a restoration of state funding to support the three recovery high schools now operating throughout the state.

Funding for these schools, which provide education within a safe and nurturing environment for our youth suffering from a substance use disorder, was terminated during the COVID pandemic.   “Without a safe and supportive school environment, students face worsening addiction, greater risk of homelessness, incarceration and, in many cases, overdose,” Lesniak writes. 

State Senator Vin Gopal has introduced legislation (Budget Resolution No. 513) to restore the funding. I am in full agreement with the former and current senators and urge our legislators to vote in favor of the resolution and for Governor Sherrill to sign it into law.