Camden community advocates demand local control as traditional public schools dwindle and budget crises deepen

Amid declining enrolment and financial struggles, Camden residents rally for a return to local control and increased community engagement as the city’s traditional public school system faces further erosion under state management.

More than a decade after the state takeover of Camden City School District in 2013, concerns among parents and community members have intensified around the district’s shrinking traditional public school system and deep financial challenges. Enrollment in traditional public schools has sharply declined, while charter and Renaissance schools—institutions with different funding structures and operational rules—now serve the majority of Camden students. This shift has meant that over half of the district’s 2024-25 budget has been spent on tuition payments to these schools, according to former superintendent Katrina McCombs.

Residents gathered to voice frustrations at a meeting of the State Board of Education, urging a return to local control of Camden schools. Many parents argued that the state intervention, which was initially intended to bring improvements, has instead coincided with worsening conditions, including cuts to family engagement roles and support staff positions. Parents described a loss of communication and transparency, exemplified by a lack of public input on hiring decisions such as the forthcoming appointment of a new superintendent, a process now managed solely by the state education commissioner without advisory board involvement.

The district has faced significant budgetary pressures. In an effort to address a $91 million deficit for the 2025-26 school year, the district undertook extensive layoffs and restructuring, reducing full-time staff from roughly 1,618 to 1,331. Many of those laid off were in key support roles, such as family operations coordinators, guidance counselors, and crisis intervention staff, raising concerns about the district’s capacity to provide vital student and family services. McCombs emphasised these cuts as necessary to stabilise the district’s finances amid declining enrollment and increased payments to charter and Renaissance schools, even as state aid rose by 6 percent.

The district’s challenges are tied to a broader reorganisation under state control. Eleven traditional schools have closed since the takeover began, significantly shrinking the footprint of traditional public education in Camden. The rise of Renaissance schools, established under New Jersey’s Urban Hope Act and often likened to charter schools but funded differently, has further fragmented the educational landscape. Enrollment has fallen from over 11,600 students in 2013-14 to about 5,900 for the current academic year. Community advocates and some education experts question whether the state-run model has “dismantled” the traditional public school system and diverted crucial resources, undermining student outcomes and opportunities.

The community’s unease was highlighted during a June rally of Camden high school students outside the state education offices in Trenton. The students protested the recent staff layoffs and budget cuts, noting the adverse effects on their education — from losing trusted staff to the closure of media centers and other essential supports. Organisers like Ronsha Dickerson, executive director of the Camden Parent & Student Union, warn that the rapid decline of traditional public schools may leave the city with none at all, underscoring the urgency for the state board to audit the district’s budget and visit schools firsthand.

Residents also criticised the state’s approach to public engagement. Local advocates stressed that family involvement remains critical, especially as the district transitions to new leadership. Calls for virtual testimony at state board meetings were made to broaden access, reflecting the difficulties many families face in participating in distant and infrequent public forums.

With the acting superintendent currently the former principal of Creative Arts High School, Davida Coe-Brockington, Camden awaits a new superintendent expected to start by November. Yet with hiring controlled by the state rather than elected local officials, parents remain wary about their ability to influence the district’s future direction.

Ultimately, Camden’s situation reflects the complex challenges urban districts face balancing budget realities, diverse school options, and community needs. While the state takeover aimed to improve struggling schools, many community members see little progress and are pushing for a renewed focus on strengthening traditional public schools and restoring local control to rebuild trust and engagement.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative is recent, published in September 2025. Similar concerns have been reported in the past, such as a 2024 article discussing the state takeover’s impact on Camden schools. ([inquirer.com](https://www.inquirer.com/education/camden-city-school-district-new-jersey-takeover-20240729.html?utm_source=openai)) However, the specific details and figures in the current report appear to be new.

Quotes check

Score:
7

Notes:
Direct quotes from Superintendent Katrina McCombs and other community members are present. While some quotes may have been used in previous reports, the specific context and details in this narrative suggest they are newly gathered. No exact matches for these quotes were found in earlier publications.

Source reliability

Score:
9

Notes:
The narrative originates from NJ Spotlight News, a reputable news outlet known for its in-depth coverage of New Jersey issues. This adds credibility to the report.

Plausability check

Score:
8

Notes:
The claims about budget deficits, staff layoffs, and community concerns align with previous reports and known issues within the Camden City School District. The figures and events mentioned are consistent with other sources, such as a 2024 article detailing the state takeover’s impact on Camden schools. ([inquirer.com](https://www.inquirer.com/education/camden-city-school-district-new-jersey-takeover-20240729.html?utm_source=openai))

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative presents recent and plausible concerns regarding the state takeover of Camden’s public schools. While similar issues have been reported before, the specific details and figures in this report appear to be new and are supported by credible sources.