91 Million Dollar Deficit

Why the $91M Deficit?

Enrollment Decline: District-run enrollment fell ~50% since 2013; less per‑pupil revenue.
Tuition Outflows: Payments to renaissance/charter schools rose significantly over the decade.
End of ESSER: Temporary federal relief expired, revealing structural deficits.
Fixed Costs: Facilities, transportation, special education, and staffing don’t shrink as fast as revenue.
System Design: Parallel systems (district + renaissance/charter) increase planning and fiscal complexity.

What This Means for Families

Staffing reductions and program pressure at district‑run schools.

Potential facility consolidations and transportation shifts.

Greater need for transparent budgeting and enrollment forecasts.

Ongoing questions about timeline and metrics for return to local contro

What Families Can Ask For at Meetings

Ask for a school‑by‑school budget, enrollment, and staffing snapshot.

Request a multi‑year plan aligning buildings, staffing, and programs to enrollment trends.

Track tuition outflows and services provided; ensure equitable resources for all Camden students.

Ask NJDOE and CCSD for a published path and timeline to restore local control with clear benchmarks.

Engage via CPSU to document concerns and elevate family voice in decisions.

Glossary

Renaissance Schools: Public schools run by nonprofits under contract with district/state; neighborhood priority zones.
ESSER: Temporary federal COVID‑relief funds that supplemented district budgets through 2023–24 (approx.).

Sources (Overview)

NJDOE & statute (N.J.S.A. 18A:7A; 18A:36C), district releases, and recent local/regional reporting.
For deeper citations, see CPSU’s reference list in the companion briefing.