100 Layoffs Planned Amidst Budget Challenges In South Jersey School District

CAMDEN, NJ — Around 100 full-time employees within Camden City School District are set to lose their jobs by the end of 2026, leaders said at an advisory board meeting on Tuesday.

Although the district was approved for a $23 million increase in state funding, its $476 million budget for the upcoming school year is still left fighting with dwindling federal aid and cost hikes across areas like employee healthcare.

This, as enrollment has dropped by more than half over the last 13 years, as more kids are entering charter and renaissance schools.

More than 55 percent of the current budget is dedicated to these other facilities.

New job descriptions are currently being defined, and affected employees who are eligible will be able to reapply, the district said.

"As these decisions are made, I hope there is a clear plan for the future," local parent Alicia said as she addressed the room. "Although this may feel like a difficult and even tumultuous moment, it is also an opportunity, an opportunity to make meaningful change for a community that has too often been underserved, undervalued, and overlooked."

The advisory board will hold another meeting on May 19 at the administration building (990 Morgan Blvd.) beginning at 5:30 p.m.

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