CAMDEN CITY EDUCATION EQUITY BUS TOUR 2024 FALL EDITION
The Camden City Education Equity Bus Tour on October 19, 2024, united community members to explore challenges in Camden’s schools. Organized by CPSU, the tour highlighted issues like enrollment disparities and co-located charter schools, fostering a call for equitable, community-driven education solutions.
On October 19, 2024, the Camden City community, educators, activists, and CPSU (Camden Parent Student Union) gathered at The Pub in Pennsauken, NJ, to embark on the Camden City Education Equity Bus Tour. This event provided a firsthand look at Camden’s educational landscape, addressing pressing issues in local schools and uniting voices for change. With four phases, the tour spotlighted different areas in Camden’s educational system, delving into topics like enrollment disparities, the impact of co-located schools, and the need for sustainable community-driven solutions.
Phase 1: Gathering the Community
Location: The Pub, 7600 Kaighn Ave., Pennsauken, NJ
The CPSU team and participants arrived at The Pub early, eager to start the day’s journey. After gathering and sharing an overview of the tour, attendees loaded onto the bus by 11:30 AM, ready to confront the educational challenges facing Camden’s schools.
Phase 2: Camden School Visits and Discussions
First Stop: KIPP @ Hatch, 1875 Park Blvd., Camden, NJThe first stop was KIPP @ Hatch, where we began "Tour 1: The Enrollment War." This leg addressed the intense competition for enrollment between district and charter schools in Camden, raising questions about the implications for resource distribution and student opportunities.
Second Stop: Forest Hill/ECDC, 1625 Wildwood Ave., Camden, NJThird Stop: Uncommon Prep, 1650 Copewood St., Camden, NJDuring the visits, the group engaged in meaningful conversations with administrators and community members, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of the current system and exploring avenues for improvement.
Tour 2: Co-locations to TakeoversFourth Stop: Mastery @ Pyne Poynt, 600 Erie St., Camden, NJThis tour segment focused on the complex relationship between co-located schools and eventual takeovers by charter organizations. Participants examined the effects on resources, school culture, and the greater Camden community.
Tour 3: Addressing Middle School NeedsFifth Stop: Morgan Village Middle School, 990 Morgan Blvd., Camden, NJSixth Stop: HB Wilson Family, 2250 South 8th St., Camden, NJSeventh Stop: KIPP @ Sumner, 1600 South 8th St., Camden, NJThe final tour stop raised critical points regarding the availability of adequate resources for Camden's middle school population. Discussions highlighted the gaps in infrastructure, staffing, and student support that are essential for growth and success during these formative years.
Phase 3: Lunch and Reflection
Location: Curate Noir, 1327 Haddon Ave., Camden, NJ
Participants reconvened at Curate Noir to share a meal and reflect on the tour’s insights. This segment emphasized community-led solutions, with discussions focused on sustainable community schools as viable alternatives. A call to action encouraged attendees to join upcoming events and initiatives, including CPU’s Power Hour "Camden Schools Under Attack" on November 6, Camden Harvest Fest on November 27, and Kwanzaa celebrations in December.
Phase 4: Community Feedback and Closing
With renewed purpose and commitment, participants re-boarded the bus and returned to The Pub. This tour left everyone with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Camden schools and a clear call to action to join the movement for equitable education.
The Camden City Education Equity Bus Tour was a powerful day of connection, awareness, and advocacy. Participants left not only informed but also inspired to engage further in Camden’s ongoing journey toward educational justice.