Camden school tax levy gains approval

The levy portion of a budget that will move some students into better buildings and bring police into the schools was approved Monday night by the Camden Board of Estimate.

The nearly $7.45 million tax levy is the same amount as the current year's. It is part of a $352.7 million budget that was approved by the Camden Board of Education earlier this month. That vote released the levy for Board of Estimate action.

Despite plans to close four school buildings, the proposed budget has not been the object of much controversy. If anything, some speakers at the Monday hearing before the vote noted the budget contained some bright spots and new programs.

"We know we have to do more with less," said Susan Dunbar-Bey, Camden school board president, who sits on the Board of Estimate.

Under the proposed plan, students from the closing schools will move to other district buildings, which, in some cases, have better facilities, according to district officials.

Washington Elementary School would merge with Veterans Middle School. Students at Parkside Elementary would go to either Forest Hill Elementary or Hatch Middle School. Students at Whittier Elementary would be sent to either Sumner or Wiggins Elementary. Creative Arts High School pupils will report to Morgan Village Middle. Currently, Creative Arts students are in an old former elementary school that lacks a cafeteria, a gym, an auditorium, and the infrastructure for advanced technology.

The budget also provides about $700,000 for six or seven city police officers to be assigned to the schools. Although some community members have expressed reservations, Camden resident Arthur Barclay testified during Monday night's public hearing in favor of the move.

"I think it is much-needed," Barclay said.

Camden Mayor Dana Redd praised the budget for the programs it is adding.

The spending plan calls for a summer learning-enrichment program for Camden children.

In addition, the budget will allow the creation of a new, alternative-education program. That program will serve about 350 students in grades 6 through 12 who have behavioral issues or who do not thrive in a traditional classroom setting.