CCSD State Takeover (2013–Present)
What is the State Takeover?
In March–June 2013, the State of New Jersey placed Camden City School District under full state intervention (“state takeover”), reducing elected board powers and installing a State District Superintendent to run the system under N.J.S.A. 18A:7A. The district remains under state control.
Timeline
Mar 25, 2013
State Takeover Announced
Governor announces state control of CCSD.
Jun 5, 2013
Full State Intervention Ordered
NJ Commissioner orders full state intervention; state superintendent appointed later in 2013.
2014–2016
Expansion of Renaissance Schools
Urban Hope Act build-out: renaissance schools expand; district pays rising tuition to charter/renaissance schools.
2018–2019
Leadership Transition
Katrina T. McCombs appointed superintendent (2019).
2019
Budget Strain and Structural Gaps
District notes ~$27M budget strain; structural gaps emerge.
2020–2023
Temporary Stability from COVID Relief
ESSER funds stabilize budgets; enrollment continues to decline.
2024
Continued State Control and Rising Tuition Costs
Camden remains under state control; tuition outflows to renaissance/charter schools grow.
Spring 2025
Major Budget Deficit and Staff Reductions
$91M deficit publicly identified; district cites enrollment loss, tuition growth, end of ESSER, and fixed costs; staff reductions proposed.
