Report: Christie Will Announce State Takeover Today in Camden
By Matt Rooney | The Save Jersey Blog
Governor Chris Christie will hold a press conference at the Woodrow Wilson High School Library in Camden at 11 am, Save Jerseyans.
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, he’s announcing a state takeover of the City of Camden’s school system:
As part of the takeover of what the state considers the worst-performing district in New Jersey, Christie will appoint a new superintendent and leadership team, shifting the school board to an advisory role, according to Christie administration officials briefed on the plan.”
The Inky also reports that the plan is supported by “at least a few school board members and key Democratic leaders in the South Jersey political establishment, some of whom are expected to join Christie at the takeover announcement Monday in the city, officials said.”
Hmmm…
Yet another example of the failed Norcrat leadership in Camden. Failed schoosl, and if you beleve them failed police too. Why isn't the state taking over the police too? what is the next target… Fire and EMS too? Every CamCo resident needs to be concerned because we appear to be the test bed for county everything.
Our state taxes (sales and income) support urban education, so why whouldn't we be running it? Josh is correct above – Camden's a mess. That's what decades of democrat-rule have done to Camden.
Over the last few weeks, I have visited 8 Jersey City Schools doing some consulting work for them. I have been very, very impressed at how well maintained they are and how they handle the kids. The buildings are OLD, but, they keep them running, safe and clean. If JC can do it, so can Newark and Camden.
My major concern is that the State is still in control of the Jersey City, Paterson and Newark Public Schools after 18 years. So don't expect a temporary takeover!
I agree with Peter, the takeover is fine of there is a means of exit
A very Bad sign for Camden…….the further removed local control is from the actual residents of each community……the more you create total failure. If the schools, police and justice system is not run locally by the local people ……failure seems to always follow.
Michael, the schools in Camden are ALREADY FAILURES – have been for decades – so how, exactly, can failure follow failure?
Nearly 90 percent of Camden’s schools, 23 out of 26, are in the bottom 5 percent performance-wise in all of New Jersey, including the three lowest performing schools in the state. Camden’s four-year graduation rate was only 49 percent in 2012 – 37 points below the New Jersey average. But during the 2011-12 school year, Camden spent $23,709 per student, compared to the statewide average of $18,045. Tuition for St. Joseph's in Metuchen is $11,000, where nearly 100% of students graduate and attend college.
But yes, Michael, let's hope the state doesn't tarnish those Camden schools.