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TAKE ACTION!
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OUR MISSION
The Camden Back Learning & Organizing Coalition (CBLOC) is a community-based coalition committed to protecting and advancing education justice in Camden, New Jersey. Our mission is to empower parents, students, educators, and community members to advocate for transparent governance, equitable funding, and high-quality public education for every student in Camden.
TAKE ACTION
Calling for Accountability in the Camden City School District
A united call from parents, students, educators, and community members demanding justice, transparency, and responsible governance in Camden’s public education system.
For over a decade, Camden’s schools have suffered from harmful state control, poor administrative decisions, and policies that have undermined the well-being of our children.
We stand together to demand an immediate end to the actions and policies that continue to harm our students and destabilize our schools.
Stop the Bleeding of Schools Now.
Return Camden City School District to Local Control.
THE ISSUE
The Crisis in Camden Public Schools
For years, Camden families have watched their school district operate under state control without accountability. Decisions affecting our children are being made without meaningful input from the community.
The result has been:
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Policies that deepen racial inequities
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Political influence overriding community needs
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Mismanagement of public education resources
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School closures and destabilization of traditional public schools
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Lack of transparency and trust in district leadership
Our children deserve better. Our community deserves better.
OUR DECLARATION OF NO CONFIDENCE
Vote of No Confidence in Current Leadership
We issue a Vote of No Confidence in the leadership of the Camden City School District Central Administration and the New Jersey Department of Education for the following reasons:
Racial Discrimination
Policies and decisions continue to disproportionately harm Black and Brown students, families, and educators, reinforcing systemic inequities within Camden’s education system.
Political Corruption
Political influence, favoritism, and back-room decisions have prioritized outside interests over the needs of Camden families.
State Sabotage
State intervention has removed democratic control from Camden residents while allowing harmful policies to continue without accountability.
Mismanagement of Public Funds
Irresponsible financial decisions have failed to prioritize classrooms, student support services, and community schools.
Student Neglect
Critical needs—including student mental health, special education services, safe school buildings, and access to quality education—are being ignored.
OUR DEMANDS
What We Are Calling For
The Camden community demands immediate action to restore accountability and protect our public schools.
Moratorium on School Closures
A full moratorium on the closure or consolidation of Camden Traditional Public Schools until local control is restored and a community-led review is conducted.
Restore Local Control
Immediate restoration of democratic local governance of the Camden City School District.
Repeal the Urban Hope Act
End policies that have accelerated privatization and weakened Camden’s traditional public schools.
Independent Investigation
Conduct a forensic audit and independent investigation into:
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District finances
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Hiring practices
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School closures
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The One Camden enrollment system
Community Accountability Board
Establish a board made up of parents, educators, students, and residents with real decision-making authority.
Enforce Racial Equity Protections
Ensure equity in staffing, budgeting, and allocation of school resources.
Sustainable Community School District
Transition Camden’s schools into a community-based education system focused on long-term sustainability and student success.
CALL TO ACTION
State Leaders Must Respond
We call on the following leaders to answer the community’s concerns and participate in a public town hall:
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Governor Mikie Sherrill
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Education Commissioner Dr. Lily Laux
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Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen
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CCSD State-Appointed Superintendent Katrina T. McCombs Llano
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New Jersey State Board of Education
Our community deserves direct answers, transparency, and accountability.
Education Justice Town Hall
We invite state leadership to join the Camden community in an open public forum where parents, students, and educators can speak directly with decision makers.
Community Town Hall on Education Justice
This is a critical moment for our school district.
Our voices must be heard.
ORGANIZE WITH US
ORGANIZE. ORGANIZE. ORGANIZE.
We call on:
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Camden Traditional Public School parents (past and present)
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Students and alumni
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Educators and school staff
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Community residents
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Labor unions
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Local and national partners
Together, we can protect Camden’s public schools.
Help us reach 1,000 signatures demanding justice for Camden’s Traditional Public Schools.
Add your name to support accountability, transparency, and protection for our community schools.
It’s not a Jersey thing — it’s a Justice thing.