Months Later, Lacey Students Still Plea For Return Of Beloved Teacher

LACEY, NJ — Months after budget cuts had to be made in the Lacey Township School District, middle schoolers are still fighting to see one of their favorite educators impacted by the cuts rehired.

Students have been fighting since May over the letting go of Joseph Brausam, a middle school music teacher. More than 800 have signed a petition dedicated to seeking his return. And some spoke again at the latest Board of Education meeting to try and change the minds of those in charge.

"He should stay because he's changed us," said student Carolina Bonfanti, creator of the petition. "I know you guys can't automatically get him back, but I know I can make an attempt to make a change."

"We know it's not just a simple yes, and there's a lot of stuff to get worked out," an eighth grader said.

That student said that it would be okay even if Brausam was brought back in the following school year and not the upcoming one.

"Even though we won't get to see him, I still want him to bring the joy he gave to us to other students," he said.

One student, Daniel Hayden, who is running for freshman class president at Lacey Township High School, told Patch that it made him sad to see Brausam go.

"The state of New Jersey has given no valuable reason for these cuts in our budget and as a result of their reckless decision, the students of Lacey Township will no longer have their favorite teacher in their classrooms," Hayden said.

School officials have not said anything in response, only that they had to follow tenure rules in choosing who to let go.

Brausam's job was one of 39 non-tenured roles that were cut in the upcoming school year's budget.

READ MORE: 'More Than A Teacher': Lacey Middle Schoolers Fight Loss Of Educator