Camden Students Lead Courageous Protest Over Massive Job Cuts and Charter School Funding Disparities

Twelve years after more than 1,000 Camden students staged a historic walkout, a new generation is once again demanding answers and action. On Monday, May 20, over 100 students marched to the Camden City School Board building to protest the announced termination of 117 beloved educators and student support staff — including counselors, family advocates, and classroom aides.

The protest came just two days before the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting, which was replaced by a budget hearing. Superintendent Katrina McCombs, notably absent due to attending her daughter’s graduation, announced via a prepared slide presentation that 117 positions would be eliminated as of July 1. Among the figures presented: a staggering $198.6 million allocated to payments for charter schools — a number that drew sharp criticism from students, parents, and community members alike.

Students from the classes of 2025 and 2026 testified in McCombs’ absence, asking pointed questions:

• “Why are those who support us the most being discarded like trash?”

• “How can we be in such a deep deficit under state control?”

• “Why do charter schools keep getting more money while our resources are cut?”

Many students shared deeply personal stories, describing how the very staff being laid off helped them through their most difficult times — emotionally, academically, and socially.

Parents have now joined their children in calling for full budget transparency and accountability. Questions are mounting about the salaries of central office staff, which appear to exceed industry norms when compared to neighboring districts. Many are also demanding to know why Renaissance charter schools, which receive public education dollars, are not held to the same transparency standards as public schools.

Community members are now organizing for the June 4th State Board of Education meeting in Trenton, where they plan to demand answers from state officials and education leaders.

This is not just about jobs — it’s about justice, equity, and the future of Camden’s children.

Stay connected with the Camden Parent and Student Union Newsletter for continued updates on this developing story.