RE: Calling for Accountability in the Camden City School District and the State of New Jersey!

Dear Governor Sherrill, 

We, the parents, students, educators, residents, and community stakeholders of Camden, New Jersey, issue this petition as a unified call for justice, transparency, and responsible governance in our public education system. For over a decade, our school district has suffered from harmful state control, poor administrative practices, and decisions that have undermined the well-being of Camden’s children.

We stand together to demand an immediate end to the policies, behaviors, and actions that continue to harm our students and destabilize our public schools.

Our Declaration of ‘NO CONFIDENCE’

We issue a Vote of No Confidence in the current leadership of the Camden City School District Central Administration and the State of New Jersey Department of Education for the following reasons:

1. Racial Discrimination

We reject policies and decisions that disproportionately impact Black and Brown students, families, and staff, and that reinforce systemic inequities within Camden’s education system.

2. Political Corruption

We oppose the use of political influence, favoritism, and back-room decision-making that prioritizes external interests over the needs of Camden families.

3. State Sabotage and Neglect

We condemn the ongoing state intervention that has stripped the community of democratic control, weakened local accountability, and allowed harmful practices to go unchallenged.

4. Mismanagement of Public Funds

We call out irresponsible and unauthorized financial decisions that fail to prioritize classroom resources, student support, and the functioning of community schools.

5. Student Neglect

We refuse to accept policies that ignore student mental health needs, special education services, school building conditions, safety concerns, and access to a high-quality education.

6. Incompetence in Leadership

We reject leadership that consistently fails to communicate clearly, implement effective strategies, or collaborate with stakeholders in good faith.

7. Untrustworthy Administrative Practices

We reject a culture of secrecy, retaliation, misinformation, and exclusion of community voices from decisions that shape the future of our children.

Our Demands

• A Full Moratorium on the Closure or Consolidation of Camden Traditional Public Schools.

• An Independent Investigation/Forensic Audit into district finances, hiring practices, school closures, and Camden Enrollment / Camden One Enrollment.

• Full Restoration of Local Control of the Camden City School District.

• Repeal of the Urban Hope Act, which has accelerated inequity, privatization, and the destabilization of Camden traditional public schools.

• An Independent Investigation/Forensic Audit into district finances, hiring practices, school closures, and Camden Enrollment / Camden One Enrollment.

• Creation of a Community Accountability Board with real decision-making power for parents, students, educators, and residents.

• Enforcement of Racial Equity Protections in staffing, budgeting, and resource distribution.

• Transition Camden City School District  to a Sustainable Community School District.

   

  Our Call to Action

• At this moment, it is imperative our state leaders are present to respond to our demands, listen to the community’s voices, and answer our questions in an open public forum. 

   

• Therefore, We, the Camden Community, invite Governor Mikie Sherrill, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lily Laux, and the State Board of Education Members to participate in a community town hall where parents, students, educators, and stakeholders can speak directly with state leadership during this critical moment for our school district.